On August 18, 1988, a Grumman G-164B (registration N48417) was involved in an aviation accident near Schoolcraft, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WHILE MANEUVERING THE AIRCRAFT TO AVOID AN OBSTACLE DURING THE LANDING ROLL. THE AIRCRAFT'S RIGHT WING IMPACTED A CORN CROP AND THE AIRCRAFT SWERVED/GROUND LOOPED TO THE RIGHT AND SKIDDED TO A STOP, NOSE DOWN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During spraying operations, a chemical hose disconnect led the pilot to land in a field. Swerving to avoid a grass mound, the right wing struck corn, causing the aircraft to skid to a stop nose-down.
Incident Details
During aerial application operations, a hose between the chemical pump and spray boom disconnected, causing the chemical pesticide to dump overboard. The pilot decided to land and attempt repairs rather than fly over populated areas while dumping pesticide. The pilot landed on a dirt access road located in the field he was spraying.
Landing and Manoeuvre
During the landing roll, the pilot swerved to avoid a mound of high grass. As a result, the right wing contacted the corn along the right side of the road. The aircraft swerved further to the right and skidded to a stop, nose down.
Final Outcome
The aircraft sustained damage during the event. No further details about injuries or the extent of damage were provided in the source.