Flagman Struck by Spray Boom During Agricultural Flight (N8512H)

Q: What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1988-07-14 involved a Grumman G-164A, registration N8512H, operated by O'briens Flying Service, at Kinder, LA.

On July 14, 1988, a Grumman G-164A (registration N8512H) operated by O'briens Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Kinder, LA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During a fungicide spraying operation, a flagman on a dike was struck by the right spray boom of an aircraft after taking only eight steps. The pilot noted possible windshield residue obscuring his view during the turn-around. The flagman sustained a serious head injury.

Incident Overview

An agricultural aircraft was spraying fungicide on a field when the flagman, stationed on top of a dike at the west end of the field, was struck by the right spray boom. The flagman, who was using an umbrella, stood 12 feet above the field level.

Operational Details

Standard procedure required the flagman to remain in position until the aircraft was 300 feet away, then move 16 steps north for the next spray run. On this occasion, the flagman had moved only eight steps when the end of the right spray boom struck him.

Pilot's Account

The pilot stated that a residue left on the windshield from previous spray applications might have obscured his view while initiating the turn-around maneuver.

Injuries

The collision resulted in a serious head injury to the flagman.

1988-07-14: Grumman G-164A (N8512H) — O'briens Flying Service — Kinder, LA