# NTSB LAX87DVA10: Grumman G-164B, N6725K, Taft, CA, July 29, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: July 29, 1987, 16:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Taft, CA
- Coordinates: 35.159355, -119.430213 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1594&lon=-119.4302&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25330
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87DVA10
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25330/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87DVA10

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - pole (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING A REPOSITIONING FLIGHT, THE PLT LANDED THE AIRCRAFT ON A DIRT ROAD. DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE LEFT WING STRUCK AN IRRIGATION STANDPIPE. THE AIRCRAFT TURNED RAPIDLY WHICH COLLAPSED THE MAIN LANDING GEAR. THERE WERE NO MECHANCIAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS REPORTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6725K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6725K), registered now, S/N 438B, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN 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: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 438B
- Airframe hours: 3875
- Engines: P&W R1340 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Operator: Mcfarland Crop Dusters
- Registered owner: Vince Cropdusters
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, February 3, 1987, 75 hours before
- Departed: BUTTON WILLOW, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 3,831 total, 3,300 in this make and model, 3,725 as pilot in command, 65 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 95 °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 19870729040119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870729040119A), Jul 29, 1987: Scwzer G164B, Taft, CA, Substantial damage. Left wing struck a standpipe landing on a ag strip. Impact whirled aircraft around and collapsed the landing gear.

## Other investigations on N6725K (3)

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 WPR11CA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11CA128), Feb 5, 2011: Schweizer G-164B (N6725K), Buttonwillow, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an irrigation vent pipe.
- [NTSB LAX90DVA04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90DVA04), Jun 8, 1990: Grumman-Schweizer G-164B (N6725K), Buttonwillow, CA, destroyed. Probable cause: FAILURE OF THE #7 CYLINDER DUE TO A PRE-EXISTING CRACK. THE TERRAIN CONDITION WAS A RELATED FACTOR.
- [NTSB OAK78DVG83](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK78DVG83), Sep 20, 1978: Grumman G-164B (N6725K), Robbins, CA, substantial damage

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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