# NTSB CHI99LA216: Gulfstream-Schweizer G-164B, N8029K, Fisher, MN, July 6, 1999

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 6, 1999, 08:30 local (13:30 UTC)
- Place: Fisher, MN
- Coordinates: 47.789596, -96.78907 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.7896&lon=-96.7891&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 22, 2000
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 46739
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI99LA216
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/46739/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99LA216

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the crop during an aerial application spray run.

## 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
  - low altitude flight/maneuver - performed, pilot in command
  - altitude/clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - crop
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

While on a spray-run, one of the agricultural airplane's wing tips contacted the wheat crop.  The pilot reported that after contact with the wheat, the airplane turned 180-degrees, flipped over once, and came to rest in an upright position.  Inspection of the wreckage did not reveal any pre-existing mechanical anomalies with the aircraft's control system or engine.

## Factual narrative

On July 6, 1999, at 0830 central daylight time, a Gulfstream-Schweizer G-164B, N8029K, owned/operated by Agrimax LLC, received substantial damage during an in-flight collision with terrain while spraying an agricultural field near Fisher, Minnesota.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.  The aerial application flight was operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137 and was not on a flight plan.  The Airline Transport Pilot reported no injuries.  The local flight departed a private airstrip near Fisher, Minnesota, at 0800.

According to the pilot's written statement, while on a spray-run a wing tip contacted the wheat crop.  The pilot reported that the wheat caused the airplane to turn 180-degrees, flip over once, and come to rest in an upright position.

Inspection of the wreckage did not reveal any pre-existing mechanical anomalies with the aircraft's control system or engine.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8029K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8029K-2005-03-01), registration cancelled 2005-03-01, S/N 543B (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Gulfstream-Schweizer G-164B
- Registry model: [Gulfstream-Schweizer A/C GULFSTREAM AM G-164B](https://openairdocs.org/model/gulfstream-schweizer-a-c-gulfstream-am-g-164b) (registry code 3979904) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 543B
- Engines: P&W R-1340 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Agrimax LLC
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: PVT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 5,500 total, 2,000 in this make and model, 4,800 as pilot in command, 200 in the last 90 days, 100 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CKN, 10 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 19990706008429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990706008429A), Jul 6, 1999: Scwzer G164B, Fisher, MN, Substantial damage. Acft struck a tree during aerial application, other circumstances are unknown. (.19)on July 6, 1999, at 0830 central daylight time, a gulfstream-schweizer…

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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