# NTSB FTW91LA103: Grumman G-164B, N48370, Brighton, AR, June 19, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 19, 1991, 11:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Brighton, AR
- Coordinates: 36.049007, -90.510482 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.0490&lon=-90.5105&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report March 24, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23350
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91LA103
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23350/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA103

## Probable cause

(1) THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FROM THE WIRES AND (2) THE WIRE'S SUBSEQUENT INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLIGHT CONTROLS.

## 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
  - object - wire,transmission
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
  - flight control surfaces/attachments - movement restricted (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

PRIOR TO PULLING UP FROM ITS SECOND SWATH RUN, FIRST IN THE DIRECTION OF FLIGHT, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A SET OF ELECTRICAL WIRES AT THE END OF THE FIELD. FOLLOWING THE INITIAL WIRE STRIKE, THE AIRPLANE FLEW ABOUT 1/4 MILE TRAILING ABOUT 15 FEET OF 3/8 INCH WIRE UNTIL THE WIRE STRUCK AND SEVERED A SECOND SET OF WIRES. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THE AIRPLANE WAS OBSERVED TO PITCH UP, ROLL LEFT, THEN PITCH NOSE DOWN AND IMPACT THE GROUND. POST-ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE TRAILING WIRES WERE ENTANGLED ON THE RIGHT WING, INCLUDING THE AILERON GAP, AND ON THE EMPENNAGE CONTROL SURFACES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N48370](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N48370-1991-11-05), registration cancelled 1991-11-05, S/N 8B (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN G-164B
- Registry model: [Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164B](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-acft-eng-cor-schweizer-g-164b) (registry code 3952802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 8B
- Airframe hours: 5303
- Engines: P&W R-985-AN1 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Stanley J. Wright, doing business as Stan'S Flying Service
- Registered owner: Stanley J. Wright
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 12, 1991, 96 hours before
- Departed: NONE, MARMADUKE, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 3,025 total, 3,025 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point -0 °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 19910619022679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910619022679A), Jun 19, 1991: Scwzer G164B, Brighton, AR, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Struck two sets of wires before stalling from induced drag. 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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