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Pilot Maneuvers to Avoid Weeds, Left Wing Strikes Vegetation Leading to Nose-Over (N7501K)

Verona, CA, US

On August 19, 1991, a Schweizer G164B (registration N7501K) operated by Farm Air Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Verona, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION TO DEPART FROM A RUNWAY WITH HIGH VEGETATION ALONG THE EDGE AND SUBSEQUENT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN. 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

A commercial pilot on an agricultural flight maneuvered during takeoff to avoid weeds, resulting in the left wing striking vegetation, swerving into a field, hitting a berm, and nosing over. The pilot was uninjured; his medical certificate was invalid for the operation.

Accident Narrative

A certificated commercial pilot was departing a small airstrip on the fourth flight of the day to apply chemicals to nearby rice fields. During the takeoff roll, the pilot maneuvered the airplane to avoid a clump of weeds located at the departure end of the airstrip. While executing this avoidance maneuver, the airplane's left wing struck vegetation on the left side of the strip. This impact caused the airplane to swerve off the airstrip and into an adjacent field. The airplane then struck a small berm and nosed over, coming to rest in an inverted position.

Pilot Information

The pilot was not injured during the accident. The pilot's medical certificate was not valid for the operation being conducted.

Accident Context

The accident occurred during an agricultural application flight. The specific type and registration of the aircraft were not disclosed in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Aug 1991 Schweizer G164B accident near Verona, CA?

A commercial pilot on an agricultural flight maneuvered during takeoff to avoid weeds, resulting in the left wing striking vegetation, swerving into a field, hitting a berm, and nosing over. The pilot was uninjured; his medical certificate was invalid for the operation.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Aug 1991 Schweizer G164B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Aug 1991 involved a Schweizer G164B, registration N7501K, operated by Farm Air Flying Service, at Verona, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION TO DEPART FROM A RUNWAY WITH HIGH VEGETATION ALONG THE EDGE AND SUBSEQUENT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17904. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.