On July 12, 1983, a Boeing B75N1 (registration N59085) was involved in an aviation accident near Webb, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during flight under powerlines, which resulted from restricted forward visibility caused by fuel spraying onto the windscreen and face after a bird strike damaged a fuel gauge. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot flying under powerlines suffered restricted forward visibility when a bird strike broke a plastic fuel gauge, causing fuel to spray onto the windscreen and face just before initiating a crop dusting run.
What happened
The accident occurred while the aircraft was preparing to begin a swath run. Prior to this phase of flight, the pilot was operating under powerlines when a bird struck the aircraft. The impact broke a plastic fuel gauge mounted under the center section of the upper wing.
Fuel reportedly sprayed onto the windscreen and the pilot's face. This spray restricted forward visibility. In an effort to miss the powerlines, the aircraft was flown into the trees.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the loss of forward visibility due to fuel spraying on the windscreen and face following a bird strike. The bird strike also resulted in damage to the fuel gauge.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during flight under powerlines, which resulted from restricted forward visibility caused by fuel spraying onto the windscreen and face after a bird strike damaged a fuel gauge.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 12 Jul 1983 Boeing B75N1 accident near Webb, TX?
A pilot flying under powerlines suffered restricted forward visibility when a bird strike broke a plastic fuel gauge, causing fuel to spray onto the windscreen and face just before initiating a crop dusting run.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Jul 1983 involved a Boeing B75N1, registration N59085, at Webb, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during flight under powerlines, which resulted from restricted forward visibility caused by fuel spraying onto the windscreen and face after a bird strike damaged a fuel gauge.
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