# NTSB FTW88DRD18: Grumman G-164A, N979X, Rayne, LA, August 14, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: August 14, 1988, 11:04 local (16:04 UTC)
- Place: Rayne, LA
- Coordinates: 30.230371, -92.26078 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.2304&lon=-92.2608&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report August 8, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22502
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW88DRD18
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22502/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW88DRD18

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - object - wire,static (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water,glassy

## Analysis

AT THE END OF A SWATH RUN, THE AG PILOT PULLED THE AIRPLANE UP AND TO THE LEFT TO START A TURN-AROUND. THE UPPER LEFT WING STRUCK A STEEL GUY-CABLE OF A 300 FOOT TOWER. THE AIRPLANE MADE SEVERAL TURNS OF AN INVERTED FLAT-SPIN BEFORE WATER IMPACT INTO AN EIGHT FOOT DEEP FARM POND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N979X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N979X-2011-09-19), registration cancelled 2011-09-19, S/N 657, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN G-164A
- Registry model: [Grumman G-164A](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-g-164a) (registry code 3952704) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 657
- Airframe hours: 6657
- Engines: P&W R-1340 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Duane'S Flying Service
- Registered owner: Firs Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 20, 1988, 75 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 30,000 total, 30,000 as pilot in command, 250 in the last 90 days, 80 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °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 19880814032619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880814032619A), Aug 14, 1988: Scwzer G164A, Rayne, LA, Substantial damage. Left wing struck a tower cable during an ag turn around. Impact caused aircraft to enter a inverted flat spin.

## Other investigations on N979X (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 FTW75FRD48](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW75FRD48), May 9, 1975: Grumman G-164A (N979X), Mermentau, 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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.