Casualties unknown

2007-05-13: Schweizer G-164B (N3633Q) — Colusa, CA

Colusa, CA, US

On May 13, 2007, a Schweizer G-164B (registration N3633Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Colusa, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from wires. 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

An agricultural airplane struck wires during a rice seed application, causing rudder separation, aerodynamic stall, and a post-impact fire that destroyed the aircraft.

Accident Overview

During an agricultural operation involving rice seed application, an airplane struck wires on its second pass over a field. The collision caused the vertical stabilizer and rudder to separate from the aircraft, leading to a loss of control. The airplane pitched nose-up, entered an aerodynamic stall, spun approximately three times, and impacted the terrain. A post-impact fire ensued, destroying the airplane.

Sequence of Events

The operator briefed the pilot on the morning of the accident about the field scheduled for seed application. The operator's policy was to fly above the wires. Around midday, the operator assigned the field and the pilot to perform the drop. An agricultural commercial pilot witness observed the airplane making the application under the wires during the first pass. On the second pass, the airplane's vertical stabilizer and rudder contacted the wires. The rudder subsequently separated, and the airplane pitched nose-up, stalled, spun, and crashed.

Damage

The airplane was destroyed by the post-impact fire.

Observations

No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, or occupants were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070523X00624. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.