Pilot Debrief

GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G-164A near Darksville, MO — 2012-07-13

Final reportCEN12LA440
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Date
2012-07-13
Location
Darksville, MO, USA
Aircraft
GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G-164A
Registration
N6846Q
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot did not maintain clearance from a tree line at the completion of an agricultural spray run.

NTSB narrative

The aerial application airplane was observed impacting a tree along the edge of the field being sprayed. Clean, freshly cut branches were noticed in the tree and freshly broken tree branch fragments were located along the impact trail. Examination of the airframe, engine and propeller did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided flying too close to the tree line during spray passes.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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