On 5 Jun 2017, an AG-CAT CORPORATION G 164 B operated by MACYS FLYING SERVICE INC was involved in an aviation accident near Tulelake, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s improper decision to perform a low altitude fly-by over ground equipment, which resulted in the airplane striking the equipment. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aerial application pilot performed a close fly-by over ground equipment, causing the left main landing gear to strike the cab. The pilot returned and landed with substantial damage to the landing gear attachment points.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that while maneuvering for an aerial application, he observed a ground application operator inside the cab of the ground equipment. He decided to perform a close fly-by over the equipment. During the maneuver, the left main landing gear struck the cab of the ground equipment. After the collision, the pilot elected to return to the airport and landed on the gravel taxiway that parallels runway 30.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left main landing gear attachment points. The pilot stated that no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were present that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot's Assessment
According to the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented had he used better judgment and not performed the close fly-by over the ground application equipment, which was also owned by the operator.