What happened
On July 1, 2025, at approximately 11:45 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164B performing an aerial application flight was involved in an accident near Lockport, Louisiana. The aircraft, registration N8834H, was being operated by AG AIR LLC under 14 CFR Part 137 regulations.
The pilot had completed two successful application flights earlier that morning. During the third flight, the aircraft was carrying approximately 160 gallons of liquid applicant in the hopper and 35 gallons of fuel. After completing one spray pass, the pilot attempted to ascend at the end of the field but observed that the aircraft was not climbing as it normally would. Although engine gauges indicated normal operation, the aircraft failed to turn or climb as expected.
As the aircraft approached a highway, the pilot chose to continue forward to avoid dumping the hopper contents over the road or the nearby bayou. The aircraft cleared powerlines adjacent to the highway but landed hard in a field, resulting in the airplane nosed over. The pilot sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
An FAA inspector reported that the aircraft came to rest in an inverted position. The engine and propeller were mostly separated from the firewall, and the upper and lower wings remained attached to the fuselage despite sustaining damage to the leading edges. The aircraft was retained for further examination.