Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CHI94LA106

SUBLETTE, KS, USA

Aircraft #1

N9686

GRUMMAN G-164A

Analysis

THE PILOT STATED HE WAS INVOLVED IN AERIAL APPLICATION OF HERBICIDE. HE REPORTED HE WAS MAKING A SPRAY RUN ON A WESTERLY HEADING WITH THE SUN IN HIS EYES AND THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED RISING TERRAIN. THE PILOT STATED THE TERRAIN ROSE SHARPLY AND HE DID NOT NOTICE THE INCREASE IN TERRAIN ELEVATION.

Factual Information

On March 14, 1994, at 1830 central standard time, a Grumman G164A, N9686, operated by Max Birney Aerial Spraying, Inc. impacted rising terrain during an aerial application swath run in the vicinity of Sublette, Kansas. The pilot, the sole occupant, reported no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, no flight plan was filed. The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 137, and originated from a private airstrip in Sublette, Kansas approximately 1815. The pilot reported he was flying on a westerly heading during an herbicide application spray run. He stated the sun was in his eyes "...setting on the horizon..." and he did not observe an increase in terrain elevation. The pilot reported the landing gear struck the terrain and the airplane "...flipped...end over end...coming to stop right side up." The pilot's safety recommendation was to fly higher during spray runs.

Probable Cause and Findings

the commercial pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain. Related factors are sun glare and rising terrain.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports