NTSB Identification: MKC85FA087.
The docket is stored on NTSB microfiche number 27564.
Accident occurred Saturday, April 20, 1985 in COY, AR
Aircraft: GRUMMAN G-164A, registration: N8729H
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.WHILE APPROACHING A FIELD TO DISPENSE RICE, THE ACFT STRUCK A SET OF POWER LINES. THE PLT HAD FLOWN OVER THE SAME SET OF POWER LINES FOR NEARLY 2 HOURS. THE FLAGMEN STATED THEY HEARD THE ACFT STRIKE THE WIRES AND ONE OF THE WIRES MADE A 'POP' AS IF BEING SEPARATED FROM THE POLE. THE REMAINDER OF THE THREE LINES STAYED WITH THE ACFT DURING THE DESCENT. THE WIRES WERE LYING BY THE ACFT WHICH HAD FLIPPED INVERTED AND CAUGHT FIRE. AN ACFT INSPECTION REVEALED NO PREIMPACT FAILURES OF THE FLT CONTROLS OR ENGINE COMPONENTS.THE TRANSMISSION LINES ARE DIFFICULT TO SEE FROM THE GROUND AND AIR, BLENDING WITH THE BACKGROUND COLORING.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
CLEARANCE..NOT ATTAINED..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
OBJECT..WIRE,TRANSMISSION
Contributing Factors
TERRAIN CONDITION..OPEN FIELD
Contributing Factors
VISUAL LOOKOUT..NOT MAINTAINED..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
PULL-UP..NOT PERFORMED..PILOT IN COMMAND
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