Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary DEN08LA077

Angleton, TX, USA

Aircraft #1

N8237K

Gulfstream-Schweizer G-164B

Analysis

The pilot was spraying a herbicide on a rice field. He pulled up to make a turn and reverse direction to making another pass when the airplane struck two wires at the top of unmarked transmission lines. The airplane crossed a highway and impacted into an adjacent field, destroying the airplane.

Factual Information

On April 16, 2008, approximately 0640 central daylight time, a Gulfstream-Schweizer G-164B, N8237K, piloted by a commercial pilot, was destroyed when it struck power lines and impacted terrain while maneuvering near Angleton, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The aerial applications flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 137 without a flight plan. The pilot, the sole occupant aboard, sustained minor injuries. The local flight originated at Danbury, Texas, approximately 0635. According to the pilot's accident report, he was spraying a herbicide on a rice field. He pulled up to make a turn and reverse direction to making another pass and the airplane struck two ground wires at the top of unmarked transmission lines. The airplane crossed a highway and impacted into an adjacent field. The airplane was destroyed.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and his failure to maintain clearance from the tranmission lines. A factor in this accident was the unmarked transmission wires.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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