FTW99LA197

Factual narrative

On July 22, 1999, approximately 0910 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-25-235 agricultural airplane, N6736Z, was substantially damaged when it impacted a power line, power line pole, and a residential brick fence after encountering windshear during takeoff from the Fabens Airport, Fabens, Texas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot, d.b.a. Eagle Ag Service, Inc., El Paso, Texas. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight. The local flight was originating when the accident occurred. In the enclosed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot reported that the airplane was loaded with "80 gallons of cotton seed oil and material in the hopper and 30 gallons of 100LL fuel in the fuel tank." The pilot stated that he taxied to runway 26 and performed a "normal full rich mixture and full throttle roll" and rotated approximately 1/3 down the length of the runway. He added that the airplane climbed approximately 100 feet above the runway and "a windshear hit and there was a loss of lift." The pilot stated that the engine was producing "full power and red line RPM and full rich mixture." He stated that he attempted to maintain altitude without stalling; however, the propeller clipped a power line. The airplane's left wing then impacted the power line pole, and the airplane impacted another power line pole with the right wing. The airplane impacted the ground and came to rest against a brick fence. The FAA inspector, who visited the accident site, stated that the airplane's left wing was found separated from the fuselage, and the fuselage was structurally damaged. He added that he, "could find no anomalies with the aircraft that would have prevented the operation of the airplane." At 0951, the El Paso weather facility (located 22 miles northwest of the accident site) reported a few towering cumulonimbus clouds at 4,000 feet. In the remarks section of that report it mentioned towering cumulonimbus clouds were present to the southeast. The wind at El Paso was reported at 160 degrees at 8 knots. According to the pilot, the airplane was loaded with 80 gallons of cottonseed oil and 30 gallons of aviation gasoline. He taxied to the departure end of the runway and performed a 'normal full rich mixture and full throttle roll' then lifted off approximately 1/3 down the length of the runway. The pilot stated that the airplane climbed approximately 100 feet above the ground and then encountered a 'windshear...and there was a loss of lift.' The pilot added that the airplane's engine was producing 'full power and red line RPM and full rich mixture.' He attempted to maintain altitude without stalling the airplane; however, the propeller clipped a power line. The airplane's left wing impacted a power line pole, the airplane's right wing then impacted another power line pole, and the airplane came to rest against a brick fence. According to the El Paso weather facility, located 22 miles northwest of the accident site, there were towering cumulonimbus clouds to the southeast near the time of the accident. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12