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NTSB Report
August 16, 1983 · Piper PA25-235 · N7104Z
Somerton, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 16, 1983
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Somerton, AZ
Aircraft
Piper PA25-235
Tail Number
N7104Z
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX83LA389
THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND DURING A TURN IN TURBULENT AIR TO ABORT AN AERIAL APPLICATION MISSION BECAUSE OF WEATHER. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE HAD MADE TWO PASSES AT THE FIELD HE WAS SPRAYING WHEN HE NOTICED THE FLAGMAN AND FARMERS WAVING HIM OFF DUE TO AN APPROACHING THUNDERSTORM. AFTER DECIDING HE WAS SUPPOSED TO LEAVE THE PILOT STATED THATHE MADE A STANDARD RIGHT TURN TO THE NORTH AND ENCOUNTERED A WIND SHEAR. THE RIGHT WING WAS FORCED DOWN ALMOST INVERTED BEFORE CONTACT WITH THE GROUND. ACCORDING TO THE WITNESSES AFTER CIRCLING TO CONFIRM THE SIGNAL TO LEAVE THE ACFT BEGAN A RIGHT TURN, LOST ALT RAPIDLY AND CONTACTED THE GROUND RIGHT WING FIRST. THE YUMA, AZ WEATHER REPORT AT 1055 HOURS LISTS IN THE REMARKS SECTION CUMULONIMBUS CLOUDS MOVING SOUTHEAST TO NORTHWEST THROUGH THE NORTHWEST QUADRANT.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND DURING A TURN IN TURBULENT AIR TO ABORT AN AERIAL APPLICATION MISSION BECAUSE OF WEATHER. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE HAD MADE TWO PASSES AT THE FIELD HE WAS SPRAYING WHEN HE NOTICED THE FLAGMAN AND FARMERS WAVING HIM OFF DUE TO AN APPROACHING THUNDERSTORM. AFTER DECIDING HE WAS SUPPOSED TO LEAVE THE PILOT STATED THATHE MADE A STANDARD RIGHT TURN TO THE NORTH AND ENCOUNTERED A WIND SHEAR. THE RIGHT WING WAS FORCED DOWN ALMOST INVERTED BEFORE CONTACT WITH THE GROUND. ACCORDING TO THE WITNESSES AFTER CIRCLING TO CONFIRM THE SIGNAL TO LEAVE THE ACFT BEGAN A RIGHT TURN, LOST ALT RAPIDLY AND CONTACTED THE GROUND RIGHT WING FIRST. THE YUMA, AZ WEATHER REPORT AT 1055 HOURS LISTS IN THE REMARKS SECTION CUMULONIMBUS CLOUDS MOVING SOUTHEAST TO NORTHWEST THROUGH THE NORTHWEST QUADRANT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 MST
Nearest AirportSOMERTON (6nm SSE)
Runway14
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA25-235
Tail NumberN7104Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-B2B5 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 28 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2500 ft
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time17:55
Weather SourceWFAC