# NTSB LAX88DVA15: Schweizer G-164A, N9946, Laton, CA, September 22, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: September 22, 1988, 12:10 local (19:10 UTC)
- Place: Laton, CA
- Location: 36.4314° N, 119.6976° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Laton, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.4314&lon=-119.6976&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 24, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25754
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88DVA15
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25754/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88DVA15

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering - aerial application
  - flt control syst,elevator control cable/rod - corroded (cause)
  - flt control syst,elevator control - separation (cause)
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9946](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9946), registered now, S/N 1349, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: 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: 1349
- Airframe hours: 5212
- Engines: P&W R-985 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: David R. Hughes
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, February 21, 1988, 490 hours before
- Departed: HUGHES AG STRIP, CA
- Destination: TRAVER, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 23,000 total, 5,500 in this make and model, 22,920 as pilot in command, 302 in the last 90 days, 101 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °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 19880922039619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880922039619A), Sep 22, 1988: Scwzer G164A, Laton, CA, Substantial damage. Elevator bell crank fitting broke from corrosion. Elevator control was lost. Landed in farm field and nosed over.

## Other investigations on N9946 (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 MIA76FKQ39|MIA76FK039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA76FKQ39%7CMIA76FK039), Jul 20, 1976: Grumman G-164A (N9946), Shelby, MS, 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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