Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary FTW95LA205

ST MARTINVILLE, LA, USA

Aircraft #1

N8365K

GRUMMAN G-164B

Analysis

WHILE SEEDING RICE, THE AIRCRAFT WAS MANEUVERING FOR A SECOND PASS. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE WAS STRUCK BY A GUST OF WIND IN EXCESS OF 30 MPH AND THE AIRCRAFT ROLLED INTO AN INVERTED POSITION STRIKING TREES AND THE GROUND.

Factual Information

On May 17, 1995, at 0930 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164B, N8365K, was substantially damaged while maneuvering near Saint Martinville, Louisiana. The commercial pilot/owner/operator sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local 14 CFR 137 aerial application flight. During an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector and in a written statement, the pilot reported that he was maneuvering to make another pass over a rice field when he encountered strong winds, "over 40 miles per hour." The aircraft rolled inverted and impacted trees and the ground.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT. A FACTOR WAS THE HIGH WINDS.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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