# NTSB FTW86FRG24: Grumman G-164, N552Y, La Feria, TX, June 5, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: June 5, 1986, 14:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: La Feria, TX
- Coordinates: 26.149833, -97.819374 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.1498&lon=-97.8194&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21970
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86FRG24
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21970/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86FRG24

## 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
  - planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - performed, pilot in command
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

AS THE PLT WAS MAKING A SWATH RUN, HE STARTED TO CROSS UNDER POWER LINES, BUT SAW THE PROFILE VIEW OF A ROAD MARKER. WHEN HE PULLED UP TO AVOID THE ROAD MARKER, THE ACFT STRUCK THE WIRES, ROLLED TO THE LEFT & COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N552Y](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N552Y), registered now, S/N 223 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN G-164
- Registry model: [Grumman G-164](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-g-164) (registry code 3952702) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Jacobs L4 /R755-7](https://openairdocs.org/engine/jacobs-l4-r755-7) (registry code 35003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 223
- Airframe hours: 5900
- Engines: P&W R-985-AN14B 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Robert Hough, doing business as Santa Rosa Crop Care
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 11, 1986, 50 hours before
- Departed: AG, SANTA ROSA, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 14,000 total, 10,000 in this make and model, 14,000 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19860605021819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860605021819A), Jun 5, 1986: Scwzer G164, La Feria, TX, Destroyed. Was going to fly under powerlines but pulled up to avoid road sign. Hit powerlines, then ground, and cartwheeled.

## Other investigations on N552Y (2)

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 FTW73FRD34](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW73FRD34), Jun 2, 1973: Grumman G-164 (N552Y), Church Point, LA, substantial damage
- [NTSB FTW70F0059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW70F0059), Jun 19, 1969: Grumman G-164 (N552Y), Lake Arthur, LA, 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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