# NTSB LAX86FVA03: Schweizer G164A, N946X, Wasco, CA, March 7, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: March 6, 1986, 16:15 local (Mar 7, 1986, 00:15 UTC)
- Place: Wasco, CA
- Coordinates: 35.639163, -119.439598 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.6392&lon=-119.4396&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24960
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86FVA03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24960/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86FVA03

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, landing - roll
  - landing gear,normal brake system - worn (cause)
  - procedures/directives - poor, company/operator management (cause)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
  - misc eqpt/furnishings,shoulder harness - not engaged
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - landing gear,main gear strut - overload (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT WENT OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF RWY DURING A DOWNWIND LANDING. THE AG PLTS MADE A PRACTICE OF LANDING DOWNWIND TO SPEED UP TURN-AROUND TIME. THEY RELIED ON THEIR BRAKES TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. THE ACC ACFTS BRAKE PADS WERE WORN AND THE RT BRAKE WAS FLUID COVERED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N946X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N946X-2010-03-23), registration cancelled 2010-03-23, S/N 460, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER G164A
- Registry model: [Grumman G-164A](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-g-164a) (registry code 3952704) (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: 460
- Airframe hours: 8502
- Engines: P&W R1340 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Merle Hallmark, doing business as Hallmark & Sons Aviation
- Registered owner: Inland Crop Dusters
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, January 17, 1986, 80 hours before
- Airport: L19, Wasco-Kern Co

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, expired; seat: front; flight hours: 16,040 total, 11,000 in this make and model, 16,040 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 2 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °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 19860306005829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860306005829A), Mar 6, 1986: Scwzer G164A, Wasco, CA, Substantial damage. Ineffective right brake due to worn pucks. Ground looped after a downwind landing on the taxiway.

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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