# NTSB LAX92LA325: Schweizer G-164B, N6892K, Visalia, CA, July 30, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 30, 1992, 12:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Visalia, CA
- Coordinates: 36.400215, -119.379737 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.4002&lon=-119.3797&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 14, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27711
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX92LA325
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27711/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA325

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER STOWAGE OF AN AEROSOL SPRAY CAN IN THE COCKPIT WHICH CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND AN ENSUING FIRE, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING THE SUBSEQUENT ABORTED TAKEOFF.

## Sequence of events

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

- Fire, takeoff - roll/run
  - security of cargo - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - electrical system - shorted
  - misc eqpt/furnishings - fire
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - aborted
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT SAID HE WAS ON THE TAKEOFF GROUND ROLL WHEN AN AEROSOL SPRAY CAN, WHICH WAS SITTING ON THE REAR OF THE GLARE SHIELD, SHORTED ACROSS TWO ELECTRICAL TERMINALS.  ELECTRICAL ARCING PUNCTURED THE SPRAY CAN AND THE CONTENTS BURST INTO FLAMES.  THE PILOT ABORTED THE TAKEOFF AND THE AIRCRAFT GROUND LOOPED DURING THE PILOT'S ATTEMPT TO STOP THE AIRCRAFT PRIOR TO THE END OF THE RUNWAY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6892K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6892K), registered now, S/N 516B, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER 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: 516B
- Airframe hours: 6870
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN-1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Gilbert Aviation Industries
- Registered owner: Gilbert Aviation Industries
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, May 12, 1992, 83 hours before
- Airport: Q31, Sequoia Field, runway 31, 3,200 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 9,500 total, 4,000 in this make and model, 9,400 as pilot in command, 300 in the last 90 days, 80 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 97 °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 19920730028629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920730028629A), Jul 30, 1992: Scwzer G164B, Visalia, CA, Substantial damage. Aerosol spray can sitting on rear of glare shield shorted on electric terminals. Burst into flame. Aborted takeoff.

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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