Pilot Debrief

SCHWEIZER AIRCRAFT CORP G 164B near Paxton, NE — 2015-09-16

Final reportGAA15CA266
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Date
2015-09-16
Location
Paxton, NE, USA
Aircraft
SCHWEIZER AIRCRAFT CORP G 164B
Registration
N3628Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate distance from a power line during low altitude flight operations, which resulted in an impact with the power line, and subsequent impact with the ground.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during an agricultural application flight, he was making spray passes under a power line. During the last pass, the left wing of the airplane struck the power line, and the airplane descended and impacted the ground. The pilot exited the airplane, and a postcrash fire ensued. The pilot reported that he believed he encountered a dust devil which caused the left wing to rise and contact the power line. About the time of the accident, a nearby weather reporting station was reporting, temperature 90 degrees Fahrenheit and wind from 120 degrees true at 4 knots. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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