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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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August 15, 1997 · Grumman-Schweizer G-164A · N8721H

Pinehurst, GA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 15, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Pinehurst, GA
Aircraft
Grumman-Schweizer G-164A
Tail Number
N8721H
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA97LA231

During an aerial application flight after clearing 75-100 foot-tall trees near the cotton crop field being sprayed, the aircraft was descended too low and the airplane came in contact with the 5 foot-tall cotton crop. The airplane then descended into the field and came to rest upright.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the pilot to maintain clearance with the cotton crop while maneuvering to begin a spray pass over a 5 foot-tall cotton crop, resulting in the in-flight collision with the crop and terrain.

Full Narrative

On August 15, 1997, about 1150 eastern daylight time, a Grumman G-164A, N8721H, registered to J and K Farm, Inc., descended into a cotton field near Pinehurst, Georgia, while on a 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial-rated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated about 10 minutes earlier. The pilot stated that after loading the chemical the flight departed and he performed three or four spray passes on the field. While returning for another after passing over trees to begin chemical application, with adequate airspeed, the airplane continued descending and the main landing gear contacted the cotton crop. The airplane then impacted the field and came to rest upright. When asked if there was an engine malfunction the pilot advised he was not sure but he did state that he did not stall the airplane. According to an individual who recovered the airplane, the trees that the airplane had passed over were about 75-100 feet tall and the 5-foot-tall cotton crop began about 20 feet from the edge of the trees. The first impact point with the terrain was about 195 feet past the tree line.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:50 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGrumman-Schweizer G-164A
Tail NumberN8721H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R985-AN1 · Reciprocating · 450
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 24 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data