# NTSB FTW92DRD05: Grumman G-164, N8916H, Thibodaux, LA, August 17, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: August 17, 1992, 18:20 local (23:20 UTC)
- Place: Thibodaux, LA
- Location: 29.7949° N, 90.8146° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Thibodaux, LA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.7949&lon=-90.8146&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 14, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18333
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW92DRD05
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18333/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92DRD05

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE WIRES.

## 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)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS SPRAYING A CANE FIELD AND ON THE SEVENTH SWATH RUN STRUCK POWERLINE WIRES AND DESCENDED UNCONTROLLED TO IMPACT WITH THE TERRAIN. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE DID NOT SEE THE WIRES UNTIL THE IMPACT. HE REPORTED NO MECHANICAL FAILURE TO HIS AIRPLANE BEFORE THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8916H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8916H), registered now, S/N 1613, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN G-164
- Registry model: [Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164A](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-acft-eng-cor-schweizer-g-164a) (registry code 3952801) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1613
- Airframe hours: 6240
- Engines: P&W R-1340 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Elfert, Philip I., doing business as Elfert Flying Service
- Registered owner: O'Brien Flying Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 10, 1992, 36 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 2,171 total, 782 in this make and model, 1,899 as pilot in command, 82 in the last 90 days, 81 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- 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 19920817056169A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920817056169A), Aug 17, 1992: Scwzer G164A, Thibodaux, LA, Substantial damage. Struck wires and crashed during sixth spray run over same field. No mention of presurvey of area to check for wires

## Other investigations on N8916H (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 FTW02LA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW02LA111), Apr 4, 2002: Grumman G-164A (N8916H), Wynne, AR, substantial damage. Probable cause: The inadequate supervision by the flight instructor of the pilot who was receiving instruction resulting in the excessive application of the brakes during the landing roll resulting in a nose over. A…
- [NTSB FTW89DRD07](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89DRD07), Jun 15, 1989: Grumman-Schweizer G-164A (N8916H), Morse, LA, substantial damage. Probable cause: LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON. THE SOFT TERRAIN WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.

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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