21 May 2019: Grumman G164 B — FITCH, MATT DBA

21 May 2019: Grumman G164 B — FITCH, MATT DBA

No fatalities • Pearsall, TX, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-altitude maneuvering.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that, while conducting an aerial application flight, he had taken his eyes "off of the line just before entering the field." The airplane's landing gear hit the top wire and was pulled down toward the field. He attempted to correct by pulling "hard on the stick and pushed the power forward." The airplane became airborne, but suddenly the "left wing was yanked violently back into the corn." Utilizing right rudder, he attempted to lift the wing from the field and was able to maintain flight. The airplane was again "yanked and for the last time," and impacted the ground.

The airplane was consumed by a postaccident fire and was destroyed.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Altitude — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Effect on operation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 010/07kt, vis 10sm

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