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Aerial Application Aircraft Noses Over After Avoiding Wires (N5397)

Dixon, CA, US

On March 30, 2006, a Grumman-schweizer G-164A (registration N5397) operated by Dixon Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Dixon, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain altitude/clearance during takeoff/initial climb, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather, and unfavorable winds. 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 conducting an aerial application flight reported that after takeoff, the airplane failed to climb sufficiently to clear wires. After an unsuccessful turn, the pilot flew under the wires, contacting mud and nosing over, resulting in substantial wing damage.

Accident Details

The accident occurred during a Title 14, CFR Part 137 aerial application flight. The commercial certificated pilot reported that after liftoff from a gravel airstrip, he kept the airplane in ground effect to accelerate. The purpose was to gain enough speed to clear wires at the end of the runway.

Pilot Account

The pilot stated that the airplane would not climb high enough to clear the wires. He elected to turn away from them. After initiating the turn, he realized he could not turn quickly enough and decided to fly under the wires. During the maneuver, the main landing gear wheels contacted mud, causing the airplane to nose over. The wing sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported departing the airstrip with about a 5-knot tailwind. Another pilot he spoke with said that the tailwind increased to about 25 knots at the height of the wires, which was approximately 30 feet. The accident pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

Aircraft Damage

The nose-over resulted in substantial damage to the wing. No other damage description was provided.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Mar 2006 Grumman-schweizer G-164A accident near Dixon, CA?

A commercial pilot conducting an aerial application flight reported that after takeoff, the airplane failed to climb sufficiently to clear wires. After an unsuccessful turn, the pilot flew under the wires, contacting mud and nosing over, resulting in substantial wing damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Mar 2006 Grumman-schweizer G-164A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Mar 2006 involved a Grumman-schweizer G-164A, registration N5397, operated by Dixon Aviation, at Dixon, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to attain altitude/clearance during takeoff/initial climb, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather, and unfavorable winds.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060503X00500. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.