# NTSB FTW94FA241: Schweizer G-164B, N6617Q, Foules, LA, July 21, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 21, 1994, 09:15 local (14:15 UTC)
- Place: Foules, LA
- Coordinates: 31.840322, -91.650558 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.8403&lon=-91.6506&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report February 24, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18914
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW94FA241
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18914/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94FA241

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN OBSTACLE CLEARANCE.

## 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 (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD COMPLETED APPLYING INSECTICIDE TO THE MAIN AREA OF THE FIELD AND WAS 'TRIMMING THE FIELD' WHEN THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A POWER LINE. WHILE TRYING TO RECOVER THE PILOT INADVERTANTLY STALLED THE AIRPLANE AND IMPACTED THE GROUND. THE COCKPIT, HOPPER, AND ENGINE WERE CONSUMED BY A POST CRASH FIRE.

## Factual narrative

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On July 21, 1994, approximately 0915 central daylight time, a Schweizer AG-Cat G-164B, N6617Q, was destroyed while maneuvering near Foules, Louisiana.  The commercial pilot was fatally injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight.

According to a witness, the pilot had completed applying insecticide to the main area of a field and was "trimming the field" when the airplane struck a power line.  The pilot applied power, the airplane executed a climb, then descended straight down "wing over wing" to ground impact.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

A review of the airframe and engine records did not reveal any anomalies or uncorrected maintenance defects.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

The initial ground scar was on a measured heading of 070 degrees. The aircraft came to rest 5 feet to the left of the initial ground scar on a measured magnetic heading of 040 degrees.  The cockpit, hopper, and engine were destroyed by a post impact fire.

A power line was found down 125 yards from the initial impact scar.  A piece of the top left wing tip was found below the repaired power line.  See enclosed wreckage diagram.  The left diagonal strut top fitting had a gouge approximately the same diameter as the downed power line.  The left top aileron outside of the diagonal strut top attaching fitting, had scraping and rub marks.

Examination of the airplane and engine did not disclose any mechanical problems.  Due to the extent of damage, flight control continuity could not be established.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

The autopsy was performed by pathologist David R. Steckler, M.D. at the Natchez Medical Center, Natchez, Mississippi.  Toxicological findings were negative.

ADDITIONAL DATA

The wreckage was released to the owner.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6617Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6617Q-2013-04-30), registration cancelled 2013-04-30, S/N 146B, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER 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)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 146B
- Airframe hours: 4621
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Braughton, Terry W.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 1994, 250 hours before
- Departed: NONE, FERRIDAY, LA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 9,700 total, 8,450 in this make and model, 150 in the last 90 days, 50 in the last 30 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °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 19940721018919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940721018919A), Jul 21, 1994: Scwzer G164B, Foules, LA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Struck a powerline while spray edges of field. Stalled and impacted ground. 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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