# NTSB GAA17CA321: Ag-Cat G 164, N80083, Tulelake, CA, June 5, 2017 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: June 5, 2017, 08:30 local (15:30 UTC) - Place: Tulelake, CA - Coordinates: 41.890556, -121.360557 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.8906&lon=-121.3606&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Part(s) separation from AC](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/338) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report November 14, 2017 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: General Aviation Accidents - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 95302 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=GAA17CA321 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/95302/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=95302 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA321 ## Probable cause The pilot’s improper decision to perform a low altitude fly-by over ground equipment, which resulted in the airplane striking the equipment. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Ag-Cat G-164B, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md?model=1260000), [All aircraft, 1,310 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Ag-Cat G-164B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=1260000), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: ground equipment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022050): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Ag-Cat G-164B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022050/cases.md?model=1260000), [All aircraft, 52 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022050/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Ag-Cat G-164B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=1260000), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) - [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Part(s) separation from AC](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/338) (defining event); cases with it: [Ag-Cat G-164B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/338/sequence.md?model=1260000), [All aircraft, 563 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/338/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that he was maneuvering to perform an agricultural application. He noticed a ground application operator was located inside of the cab of the ground application equipment. The pilot decided to perform a "close fly-by" over the ground equipment. The left main landing gear struck the ground equipment cab, and the pilot chose to return to the airport. He landed on the gravel taxiway that paralleled the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left main landing gear attachment points. Per the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if "the pilot [had] used better judgement and not done a close fly-by the ground application equipment," which was also owned by the operator. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. ## Factual narrative The pilot reported that he was maneuvering to perform an aerial application. He noticed a ground application operator whom was located inside of the cab of the ground application equipment. The pilot decided to perform a "close fly-by" over the ground equipment. The left main landing gear struck the ground equipment cab, and the pilot elected to return to the airport. He landed on the gravel taxiway that paralleled runway 30. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left main landing gear attachment points. Per the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented, "had the pilot used better judgement and not done a close fly-by the ground application equipment" which was also owned by the operator. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N80083](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N80083), registered now, S/N 837B, built 1998 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: AG-CAT CORPORATION G 164 (B) - Registry model: [Ag-Cat G-164B](https://openairdocs.org/model/ag-cat-g-164b) (registry code 1260000) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 837B - Year built: 1998 - Airframe hours: 4680.5 - Engines: Honeywell TPE331-1-151G 715 horsepower turbo prop - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Operator: Macys Flying Service Inc - Registered owner: Macys Flying Service Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, February 23, 2017 - Departed: O81, Tulelake, CA - Destination: O81, Tulelake, CA - Airport: O81, Tulelake Muni, runway 29, 3,577 × 44 ft, asphalt - Equipment: None ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 28; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review February 11, 2017; seat: single; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 2,800 total, 1,800 in this make and model, 2,775 as pilot in command, 220 in the last 90 days, 135 in the last 30 days, 8 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 130° at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 37 °F - Altimeter: 30.12 inHg - Observed at: KLMT, 22 nm away ## 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 20170605008099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20170605008099A), Jun 5, 2017: Ag-Cat Corporation G-164B, Tule Lake, CA, Substantial damage. Pilot stated after departing O81 he was enroute to conduct an ariel application to a field. Prior to arrival at the designated field he performed a low pass on… ## Other investigations on N80083 (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 CHI01LA242](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01LA242), Jul 26, 2001: Ag-Cat G-164B (N80083), Wallace, NE, substantial damage. Probable cause: The inadequate preflight planning by the pilot, the pilot initiating the flight with an inadequate fuel supply, and the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing. Factors were the fuel… ## Docket (2 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on October 12, 2017, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=95302. 2.0 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 936 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40456941&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Photos (Courtesy of Operator) (item 2, .PDF, 3 photos, 1.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40456944&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photos%20(Courtesy%20of%20Operator)-Master.PDF 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.