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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 21, 1997 · Gulfstream-Schweizer G-164B · N8031K

Palestine, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 21, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Palestine, AR
Aircraft
Gulfstream-Schweizer G-164B
Tail Number
N8031K
Operator
Racer Ag Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW97LA276

The pilot was applying chemical to a bean field and was 'attempting to trim up around the edges' when the airplane struck power lines. The pilot reported that he diverted his attention by looking at some grain bins at the time of the impact. During impact with the wires, the airplane caught on fire, and following a forced landing was destroyed by fire.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the wire transmission line due to his diverted attention.

Full Narrative

On July 21, 1997, at 0838 central daylight time, a Gulfstream-Schweizer G-164B airplane, N8031K, registered to and operated by Racer Ag Service, was destroyed following an in-flight collision with a power line while maneuvering near Palestine, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The pilot stated that he was applying chemical to a bean field and was "attempting to trim up around the edges" when the airplane struck power lines. The pilot reported that he diverted his attention by looking at some grain bins at the time of the impact. During impact with the wires, the airplane caught on fire, and following a forced landing was destroyed by fire.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:38 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireIflt
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGulfstream-Schweizer G-164B
Tail NumberN8031K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorRacer Ag Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsP&W · PT61-20 · Turboprop · 550

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 3 kt
Visibility3 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data