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June 22, 2023 · Piper PA-25-235 · N7419Z

Westhope, ND

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 22, 2023
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Westhope, ND
Aircraft
Piper PA-25-235 (1965)
Tail Number
N7419Z
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN23LA255

The pilot, who did not hold an airframe and powerplant (A&P) certificate, stated that after he installed the overhauled engine onto the agricultural airplane, he planned on flying the airplane during the accident flight to break the engine in prior to having it inspected and signed off by an A&P mechanic with inspection authorization. There was no record of a current annual inspection of the airplane prior to the flight. The pilot loaded the airplane with 20 gallons of water to test the spray system since he planned on flying for about an hour. During climb after takeoff, the pilot lost control, and the airplane descended and impacted terrain resulting in substantial damage to both wings and fuselage. The pilot stated there was no mechanical malfunction/failure of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft handling/service-Maintenance/inspections-Scheduled maint checks-Not serviced/maintained

Full Narrative

The pilot, who did not hold an airframe and powerplant (A&P) certificate, stated that after he installed the overhauled engine onto the agricultural airplane, he planned on flying the airplane during the accident flight to break the engine in prior to having it inspected and signed off by an A&P mechanic with inspection authorization. There was no record of a current annual inspection of the airplane prior to the flight. The pilot loaded the airplane with 20 gallons of water to test the spray system since he planned on flying for about an hour. During climb after takeoff, the pilot lost control, and the airplane descended and impacted terrain resulting in substantial damage to both wings and fuselage. The pilot stated there was no mechanical malfunction/failure of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:15 MDT
Nearest AirportWesthope Municipal Airport (1nm WNW)
Runway32
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-25-235
Tail NumberN7419Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-B2B5 · Reciprocating
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 2 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 2300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 54
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time11:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data