# NTSB FTW97LA167: Grumman-Schweizer G-164A, N7696, Hatch, NM, April 28, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 28, 1997, 08:45 local (14:45 UTC)
- Place: Hatch, NM
- Coordinates: 32.659023, -107.149291 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.6590&lon=-107.1493&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 25, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20202
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW97LA167
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20202/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA167

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the wires.  A factor was the sunglare.

## 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)
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

The aerial application pilot was making a swath run, which was made 'facing the sun,' when the airplane struck some wires.  Subsequently, the airplane impacted a highway, slid approximately 30 feet, and came to rest in a ditch.  The pilot's flagman reported that he had warned the pilot of the wires prior to the accident flight.

## Factual narrative

On April 28, 1997, at 0845 mountain daylight time, a Grumman Schweizer G-164A, N7696, registered to and operated by By Ag Air Service, Inc., as a Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight, was substantially damaged after impacting wires while maneuvering near Hatch, New Mexico.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed.  The commercial pilot was seriously injured.  The flight originated from Hatch Municipal Airport about 5 minutes prior to the accident.

Witnesses reported to the FAA inspector that during a swath run, which was made "facing the sun," the airplane struck some wires.  Subsequently, the airplane impacted Highway 185, slid approximately 30 feet, and came to rest in a ditch.  The pilot's flagman reported that he had warned the pilot of the wires prior to the accident flight.

Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed that the top wing and engine were separated from the fuselage, and the bottom wing was damaged.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7696](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7696-2013-05-09), registration cancelled 2013-05-09, S/N 990, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Grumman-Schweizer G-164A
- 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 R-985 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r-985-series) (registry code 52008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 990
- Airframe hours: 8380
- Engines: P&W R-985-AN1 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: By Ag Air Service, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 11, 1997, 8 hours before
- Departed: E05

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 7,000 total, 6,100 in this make and model, 7,000 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °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 19970428012129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970428012129A), Apr 28, 1997: Scwzer G164A, Hatch, NM, Substantial damage. Facing sun struck unseen wires during a swath run. Was told of wires prior to takeoff. Crashed in ditch minus wing. (-23) aircraft hit power lines during…

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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