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August 30, 1997 · Grumman G-164A · N9807

Muleshoe, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 30, 1997
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Muleshoe, TX
Aircraft
Grumman G-164A
Tail Number
N9807
Operator
Russell Spraying
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW97LA336

The pilot reported that during an aerial application flight, he had almost completed 'cleaning the edges of his field,' when the accident occurred. He reported that near the end of a swath run over this particular field, there was a bundle of four electrical wires, approximately 20-25 feet above ground level. He said that he normally flew over these wires, but on the afternoon of the accident, he elected to fly under them. As the pilot maneuvered to fly under the wires, he observed a standpipe on the opposite side of the wires. The pilot was forced to make a decision to hit either the wires or the standpipe; he elected to hit the wires. The aircraft initially contacted the wires with the left wing, knocking over a pole, which the electrical wires were connected to. The aircraft cartwheeled approximately three times and came to rest in a near inverted position.

NTSB Probable Cause

failure of the pilot to see the standpipe in time to avoid an accident (inadequate visual lookout), and his failure to maintain clearance with electrical wires, while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.

Full Narrative

On August 30,1997, at approximately 1110 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164A airplane, N9807, registered to a private owner and operated by Russell Spraying Inc., was substantially damaged when it impacted the ground following impact with electrical wires while maneuvering near Muleshoe, Texas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 137 agricultural flight, which originated from Muleshoe, Texas, at approximately 0900. No flight plan was filed for this flight. The commercial pilot reported to the Safety Board, during a telephone interview, that he worked as a "cropduster" in Muleshoe, Texas. The pilot said that he had almost completed "cleaning the edges of his field," when the accident occurred. The pilot reported that near the end of his route on this particular field there is a bundle of four electrical wires, approximately 20 to 25 feet above ground level. He said that he normally flew over these wires, but on the afternoon of the accident he elected to fly under the wires. As the pilot maneuvered to fly under the wires he observed a standpipe on the opposite side of the wires. The pilot was forced to make a decision, to hit either the wires or the standpipe; he elected to hit the wires. The pilot said that the aircraft initially contacted the wires with the left wing, knocking over a pole, which the electrical wires were connected to. Subsequently, the airplane cartwheeled approximately three times and came to rest in a near inverted position. According to the pilot, the airplane sustained structural damage to the left wing and the right main gear separated from the airplane. The pilot reported weather conditions at the time of the accident as clear skies, visibility 20 statute miles and winds from the southwest at 4 to 5 knots. The pilot had indicated that he accumulated a total of 15,000 hours, of which 2,000 were in the G-164A airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:10 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGrumman G-164A
Tail NumberN9807
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRussell Spraying
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-1340-AN1 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind245° @ 5 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data