# NTSB CHI90DEC02: Schweizer G-164C, N8095K, Sandusky, MI, June 4, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: June 4, 1990, 18:45 local (22:45 UTC)
- Place: Sandusky, MI
- Coordinates: 43.42086, -82.830108 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.4209&lon=-82.8301&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report February 12, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14443
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI90DEC02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14443/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90DEC02

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED DURING THE SWATH RUN TURN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/mush
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING A TURN-AROUND MANEUVER AT THE END OF A SWATH RUN, THE AIRPLANE BEGAN TO SETTLE AND HE JETTISONED THE CHEMICAL LOAD. THE AIRPLANE CONTINUED TO SETTLE AND CRASHED INTO A WOODED AREA. WHERE IT WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE. POST-ACCIDENT INSPECTION FAILED TO REVEAL ANY MECHANICAL FAILURE/MALFUNCTION OF THE AIRPLANE OR ENGINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8095K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8095K-1997-01-16), registration cancelled 1997-01-16, S/N 44C (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER G-164C
- Registry model: [Gulfstream Schweizer A/C GULFSTREAM AM G-164C](https://openairdocs.org/model/gulfstream-schweizer-a-c-gulfstream-am-g-164c) (registry code 3979906) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: G-164C
- Airframe hours: 2540
- Engines: Wright 1820-71 1200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Evans Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 17, 1990, 80 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 7,000 total, 3,800 in this make and model, 6,800 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 14 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FNT, 52 nm away

## 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 19900604018449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900604018449A), Jun 4, 1990: Scwzer G164C, Sandusky, MI, Destroyed. Mushed into trees during a turn around from a spray run. Blamed a downdraft. Aircraft crashed and burned.

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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