On September 3, 1999, a Grumman-schweizer G-164A (registration N7362) operated by J.r. Davis Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Seminole, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with powerlines. A factor was the pilot's diverted attention to the light bar for the electronic swath guidance system installed in the airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An agricultural airplane struck two top guide wires of an east-west powerline while approaching a field for its 12th spraying pass. The pilot reported focusing on the SatLoc guidance system's light bar.
Accident Overview
An agricultural airplane collided with powerlines while approaching a field for its 12th application pass. The pilot reported that the airplane was on a southerly heading when it struck the two top guide wires of an east-west powerline. Following the collision, the airplane spun to the right and impacted the ground inverted.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that he was concentrating his attention on the light bar for the SatLoc swath guidance system installed on the airplane at the time of the accident. No other factors were reported.
Sequence of Events
The airplane was on approach to the field being sprayed when it encountered the powerline. The collision with the two top guide wires caused the airplane to spin to the right before impacting the ground in an inverted position.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 3 Sept 1999 Grumman-schweizer G-164A accident near Seminole, TX?
An agricultural airplane struck two top guide wires of an east-west powerline while approaching a field for its 12th spraying pass. The pilot reported focusing on the SatLoc guidance system's light bar.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Sept 1999 involved a Grumman-schweizer G-164A, registration N7362, operated by J.r. Davis Flying Service, at Seminole, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with powerlines. A factor was the pilot's diverted attention to the light bar for the electronic swath guidance system installed in the airplane.
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