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.
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.