No fatalities

23 Apr 2011: GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G-164A — LEE FLYING SERVICE INC — Belhaven, NC

Belhaven, NC, United States

On 23 Apr 2011, a GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G-164A operated by LEE FLYING SERVICE INC was involved in an aviation accident near Belhaven, NC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance above crops while performing an aerial application flight. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During an aerial application flight, the pilot's wheels and spray rig contacted wheat, leading to engine separation and substantial damage. No mechanical deficiencies were reported.

Accident Overview

A pilot was conducting an aerial application flight when an accident occurred. The pilot reported that after completing three or four passes over the field, he entered the area heavily loaded. The aircraft mushed slightly, and the wheels and spray rig made contact with the wheat crop, which pulled the aircraft downward.

Pilot Account

According to the pilot, the airplane's performance and handling were excellent, and there were no mechanical deficiencies. He stated that the aircraft performed normally prior to the accident sequence. The pilot noted that the heavy load was a factor in the aircraft's behavior during the approach.

Damage and Sequence

During the accident sequence, the engine separated from the airframe. The wings and fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot did not report any injuries. The accident ended with the aircraft significantly damaged, but no further details were provided.

Contributing factors

Altitude — Not attained/maintainedPilot