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Casualties unknown

Agricultural Aircraft Crashes After Multiple Tree Strikes (N48467)

Maxie, LA, US

On May 23, 1989, a Schweizer G-164A (registration N48467) operated by Aerohead Cropdusters was involved in an aviation accident near Maxie, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE TREES. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE PRESENCE OF TREES NEAR THE FIELD WHERE FERTILIZER WAS TO BE DISPENSED. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An agricultural aircraft spreading fertilizer crashed after hitting trees at 55 feet and 31 feet AGL, shearing branches. The engine was operating normally; no mechanical issue was found except supercharger drive continuity disruption.

Accident Details

The aircraft was conducting a flight to spread fertilizer when it crashed in an area with dense trees near the edge of a field. The first impact with trees occurred at an altitude of approximately 55 feet above ground level, shearing off a 9-foot branch from a tree. The aircraft continued for another 43 feet and struck trees again at about 31 feet AGL, shearing off two 12-foot branches. It then descended to the ground and came to rest approximately 85 feet from the initial impact point. Evidence indicated the aircraft was traveling at a moderate speed when it first struck the trees.

Investigation Findings

According to witnesses, the engine was operating normally before impact. Investigators found no mechanical problem with the aircraft or engine, except that continuity of the engine supercharger drive was disrupted. The investigation did not reveal whether the supercharger continuity had failed before impact or as a result of the impact. The aircraft's hopper was fully loaded with fertilizer at the time of the crash.

Conclusion

The investigation did not assign a probable cause to the accident.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 May 1989 Schweizer G-164A accident near Maxie, LA?

An agricultural aircraft spreading fertilizer crashed after hitting trees at 55 feet and 31 feet AGL, shearing branches. The engine was operating normally; no mechanical issue was found except supercharger drive continuity disruption.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 May 1989 involved a Schweizer G-164A, registration N48467, operated by Aerohead Cropdusters, at Maxie, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE TREES. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE PRESENCE OF TREES NEAR THE FIELD WHERE FERTILIZER WAS TO BE DISPENSED.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28307. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.