On July 15, 1991, a Grumman G-164A (registration N6615) operated by Deral Duncan & Tony Kinder was involved in an aviation accident near Swifton, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PARTIAL FAILURE OF THE HOPPER, CHEMICAL FIRE, AND THE FAILURE OF THE LANDING GEAR. A FACTOR WS THE LOSS OF VISUAL OUTSIDE REFERENCE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During agricultural operations, dense smoke from the chemical hopper caused the pilot to lose visual references. A forced landing was attempted, but the aircraft struck wires and caught fire after landing, resulting in total destruction.
Incident Overview
During daytime agricultural operations, the pilot of an agricultural aircraft lost outside visual references due to dense smoke emanating from the chemical hopper. In response, the pilot elected to perform a forced landing on an adjacent runway.
Wire Strike and Landing
During the approach to the runway, the airplane struck a set of electrical transmission wires. After touching down, the hopper erupted into fire. The pilot then abruptly maneuvered the airplane off the runway.
Ground Maneuver and Fire
During the abrupt ground maneuver, the right main landing gear broke off. The loss of the landing gear caused the fuel cell to rupture and ignite. The resulting fire consumed the airplane.