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Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Settling During Agricultural Turn, Strikes Power Lines (N67210)

Lawtell, LA, US

On June 4, 1991, a Grumman G-164B (registration N67210) operated by Star Dusters Flying Svc., Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Lawtell, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S EXCEEDING THE PERFORMANCE CAPABILITY OF THE AIRPLANE. A FACTOR WAS TURBULENCE. 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

While applying fertilizer to a rice field, the pilot reported the airplane settling after initiating a turn. He attributed it to mechanical turbulence and being behind the power curve. The aircraft struck power lines and impacted in a muddy field.

Incident Details

The pilot was performing an agricultural application of fertilizer to a rice field. During the second pass, as he pulled up and initiated a turn to reverse direction, the airplane began to settle. According to the pilot, he believed he encountered mechanical turbulence from a nearby tree line, which caused the airplane to get behind the power curve.

Pilot Actions

The pilot stated that he attempted to recover from the settling condition. However, despite his efforts, the airplane continued to settle. It then struck power lines and impacted in a muddy field.

Conclusion

The accident sequence involved the airplane striking power lines and coming to rest in a muddy field. The pilot's account indicates that the settling occurred during a turn after the second pass, with the pilot attributing the event to mechanical turbulence and being behind the power curve.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Jun 1991 Grumman G-164B accident near Lawtell, LA?

While applying fertilizer to a rice field, the pilot reported the airplane settling after initiating a turn. He attributed it to mechanical turbulence and being behind the power curve. The aircraft struck power lines and impacted in a muddy field.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Jun 1991 involved a Grumman G-164B, registration N67210, operated by Star Dusters Flying Svc., Inc., at Lawtell, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S EXCEEDING THE PERFORMANCE CAPABILITY OF THE AIRPLANE. A FACTOR WAS TURBULENCE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17261. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.