Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ERA11CA260

Belhaven, NC, USA

Aircraft #1

N8896H

GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G-164A

Analysis

The pilot stated that he had completed three or four passes of the aerial application flight before the accident. The airplane was heavily loaded as he approached the field, and he felt the plane mush a little bit. The airplane's wheels and spray rig struck the crops and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground. During the accident sequence, the engine separated from the airplane and the wings and fuselage were substantially damaged. According to the pilot, the performance and handling of the airplane were great and there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane.

Factual Information

The pilot stated that he had completed three or four passes of the aerial application flight before the accident. He said, he was coming into the field, was heavily loaded, and he felt the plane mush a little bit. He got his wheels and spray rig into the wheat and it kind of pulled him down. During the accident sequence, the engine separated from the airplane and the wings and fuselage were substantially damaged. According to the pilot, the performance and handling of the airplane were great and there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance above crops while performing an aerial application flight.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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