On September 3, 1997, a Schweizer G-164B (registration N8326K) was involved in an aviation accident near Larimore, ND. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot delaying the swath run turnaround maneuver at the end of the field boundary, and his failure to maintain clearance between the airplane and the high tension wires. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An agricultural airplane applying herbicide struck high-tension wires during a climbing turn, resulting in serious injury to the pilot, who died eight days later from paraquat poisoning.
Accident Sequence
The airplane was applying a herbicide on a field when it flew under high tension lines located about 200 yards from the field's boundary. Shortly after, the aircraft began a climbing 180-degree turn in preparation for its final swath run. During this maneuver, the airplane collided with the electrical wires and subsequently impacted the earth.
Injuries and Cause of Death
The pilot sustained serious injuries from the collision forces and the post-impact fire. However, the pilot succumbed to paraquat poisoning 8 days after the accident. Paraquat is the active ingredient in Gramoxone Extra. According to the Material Safety Data Sheets and the manufacturer's product label, paraquat adversely affects the respiratory system and eventually leads to death by respiratory failure.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 3 Sept 1997 Schweizer G-164B accident near Larimore, ND?
An agricultural airplane applying herbicide struck high-tension wires during a climbing turn, resulting in serious injury to the pilot, who died eight days later from paraquat poisoning.
Were there any fatalities in the 3 Sept 1997 Schweizer G-164B accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Sept 1997 involved a Schweizer G-164B, registration N8326K, at Larimore, ND.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot delaying the swath run turnaround maneuver at the end of the field boundary, and his failure to maintain clearance between the airplane and the high tension wires. A factor was the pilot's inattentiveness regarding the time to begin the swath run turnaround maneuver.
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