# NTSB LAX90DVG04: Grumman G-164B, N8011K, Esparto, CA, April 4, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: April 4, 1990, 13:29 local (20:29 UTC)
- Place: Esparto, CA
- Coordinates: 38.729377, -122.030746 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.7294&lon=-122.0307&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 4, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26572
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90DVG04
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26572/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90DVG04

## Probable cause

THE PILOT MISJUDGED THE AIRPLANE'S CLEARANCE WITH THE TRANSMISSION WIRES.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - object - wire,transmission
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS CONDUCTING AERIAL SPRAYING OPERATIONS. BEFORE DEPARTING ON THE ACCIDENT FLT, THE PLT APPRISED THE FLAGGERS OF HIS FLIGHT PATH, WHICH WAS TO BEGIN AT THE CENTER OF A TOMATO CROP FIELD AND TRAVERSE IN AN EAST TO WEST DIRECTION. DURING THE FIRST LOAD, THE PLT FLEW BENEATH NORTH/SOUTH TRANSMISSION WIRES. DURING THE SECOND LOAD, HE BEGAN A SWATH RUN FROM A WEST TO EAST DIRECTION. AS THE ACFT CAME TO THE TRANSMISSION WIRES, THE PILOT BEGAN A CLIMB, BUT THE RIGHT WING CONTACTED A WIRE. THE FUEL TANK RUPTURED CAUSING AN INFLT FIRE AND THE AIRPLANE PLUMMETED TO THE GND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8011K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8011K-2017-05-15), registration cancelled 2017-05-15, S/N 538B (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)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 538 B
- Airframe hours: 8090
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Bob'S Flying Service, Inc.
- Last inspection: Annual, March 29, 1990, 23 hours before
- Departed: MAST, ESPARTO, 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: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 25,410 total, 6,700 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 134° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SMF, 20 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 19900404007539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900404007539A), Apr 4, 1990: Scwzer G164B, Esparto, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Struck powerline during a spray run. Impact severed part of upper wing and caused inflight fire and ground impact.

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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