On February 3, 1991, a Grumman G-164A (registration N969X) operated by Dennis Noble was involved in an aviation accident near Merced, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A DISORIENTED AND INTOXICATED AUTOMOBILE DRIVER ENTERING THE RUNWAY IN FRONT OF THE DEPARTING AIRCRAFT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A crop-dusting aircraft on departure struck an automobile driven onto the airstrip by a farm worker and his son, who were later arrested for DUI. The aircraft lost its right spray boom, elevator, and horizontal stabilizer.
Incident Overview
A private airstrip was the scene of a collision during the departure of a crop-dusting aircraft. The aircraft, loaded with chemicals, was in the process of departing when it struck an automobile.
Events Leading to the Collision
A farm worker and his son drove onto the airstrip while the aircraft was departing. The farm worker and his son were subsequently arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. The aircraft was committed to flight at the time of the incident.
Aircraft Maneuvers and Damage
As the aircraft departed, it rotated prematurely. It then struck the top of the automobile. The impact caused the aircraft to lose its right spray boom, elevator, and horizontal stabilizer.