Casualties unknown

1987-05-19: Schweizer G-164A (N4654) — Dundee, MS

Dundee, MS, US

On May 19, 1987, a Schweizer G-164A (registration N4654) was involved in an aviation accident near Dundee, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the ground while conducting aerial application operations, which resulted in the aircraft striking furrowed dirt banks. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed and burned after striking furrowed dirt banks while spraying a rice field. The engine was running normally prior to impact, with no mechanical issues found.

What happened

The accident occurred during an agricultural operation where the aircraft was engaged in spraying a rice field. While performing this task, the pilot flew across several small dirt banks that had been constructed as furrows for water control within the field.

During one of the swath runs, the aircraft struck three of these furrowed banks which were situated in close proximity to one another. The impact caused the aircraft to flip over and crash. Following the collision, the aircraft caught fire and burned completely.

The investigation

Witnesses reported that the engine was operating normally prior to the impact. An examination of the event revealed no pre-impact mechanical problems with the aircraft systems.

Findings

The primary factor leading to the accident was the aircraft's contact with the terrain features during low-altitude agricultural work. The pilot lost control after striking the closely spaced dirt banks, resulting in a rollover and subsequent fire.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the ground while conducting aerial application operations, which resulted in the aircraft striking furrowed dirt banks.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30981. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.