N8031K Gulfstream-Schweizer G-164B accident

NTSB FTW97LA276 · 1997-07-21 · PALESTINE, AR

Summary

The pilot was applying chemical to a bean field and was 'attempting to trim up around the edges' when the airplane struck power lines. The pilot reported that he diverted his attention by looking at some grain bins at the time of the impact. During impact with the wires, the airplane caught on fire, and following a forced landing was destroyed by fire.

Full narrative

On July 21, 1997, at 0838 central daylight time, a Gulfstream-Schweizer G-164B airplane, N8031K, registered to and operated by Racer Ag Service, was destroyed following an in-flight collision with a power line while maneuvering near Palestine, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight, and a flight plan was not filed.

The pilot stated that he was applying chemical to a bean field and was "attempting to trim up around the edges" when the airplane struck power lines. The pilot reported that he diverted his attention by looking at some grain bins at the time of the impact. During impact with the wires, the airplane caught on fire, and following a forced landing was destroyed by fire.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the wire transmission line due to his diverted attention. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident.

Circumstances

Event type: Accident
Highest injury: None
Weather conditions: Visual Meteorological Cond
Light condition: Day
Sky condition: NONE
Ceiling (ft): 0
Visibility (sm): 3
Wind direction: 270
Wind speed (kt): 3
Temperature (F): 86
Distance from field: 0.0

Aircraft

Registration	Make	Model	Damage	FAR part
N8031K	Gulfstream-Schweizer	G-164B	DEST	137

Sequence of events

#	Occurrence	Phase
1	220	Cruise
2	230	Cruise

Findings

Finding
20200
24526	cause
31110	cause