# NTSB CHI85FA226: Schweizer G-164A, N6761Q, Red Lake Falls, MN, June 8, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 7, 1985, 20:10 local (Jun 8, 1985, 01:10 UTC)
- Place: Red Lake Falls, MN
- Coordinates: 47.880836, -96.269058 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.8808&lon=-96.2691&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12842
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85FA226
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12842/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85FA226

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fatigue, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT HAD BEEN SPRAY A FIELD IN NORTH & SOUTH DIRECTIONS, THEN ELECTED TO MAKE A SWATH RUN FROM EAST TO WEST TOWARD THE SUN. THIS PASS WAS MADE LATE IN THE DAY. WHILE ON THE SWATH RUN, THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH AN UNMARKED WIRE, THEN VEERED & CRASHED IN A WOODED AREA WHERE THE ACFT BURNED. REPORTEDLY, THE PLT HAD BEEN WORKING FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSET ALMOST EVERY DAY, AND WHEN HE WAS NOT FLYING, HE WAS TENDING TO THE ACFT & OTHER BUSINESS MATTERS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6761Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6761Q-1985-11-25), registration cancelled 1985-11-25, S/N 1718 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER G-164A
- Registry model: [Grumman American Avn. G-164A](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-american-avn-g-164a) (registry code 3960202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1718
- Airframe hours: 2000
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN-1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Helicopter Aerial Application
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 7, 1985
- Departed: D81

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 4,300 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850607023309A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850607023309A), Jun 7, 1985: Scwzer G164A, Red Lake Falls, MN, Destroyed. Made a swath run into sun and struck a powerline. Struck trees and burned.

## Other investigations on N6761Q (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB FTW80DPG40](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW80DPG40), Jul 2, 1980: Grumman G-164A (N6761Q), Cash, AR, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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