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Casualties unknown

1997-08-30: Grumman G-164A (N9807) — Muleshoe, TX

Muleshoe, TX, US

On August 30, 1997, a Grumman G-164A (registration N9807) was involved in an aviation accident near Muleshoe, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to see the standpipe in time to avoid an accident (inadequate visual lookout), and his failure to maintain clearance with electrical wires, while maneuvering during an aerial application flight. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that while cleaning field edges, he chose to fly under electrical wires to avoid a standpipe, but struck the wires, causing the aircraft to cartwheel and come to rest nearly inverted.

Accident Details

During an aerial application flight, the pilot was engaged in cleaning the edges of a field. As he neared the end of a swath run over the field, he encountered a bundle of four electrical wires suspended approximately 20 to 25 feet above ground level. The pilot stated that he normally flew over these wires, but on the afternoon of the accident, he decided to fly under them.

While maneuvering to pass under the wires, the pilot observed a standpipe on the opposite side of the wires. Faced with the choice of striking either the wires or the standpipe, the pilot elected to hit the wires.

Aircraft Impact and Final Position

The aircraft initially contacted the wires with its left wing, causing a pole supporting the electrical wires to be knocked over. After the initial contact, the aircraft cartwheeled approximately three times before coming to rest in a near inverted position.

The pilot reported these events, and no further details regarding injuries, damage, or other factors were provided in the source.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08645. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.