# NTSB LAX93LA361: Gulfstream-Schweizer G-164B, N8133K, Buttonwillow, CA, September 20, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 20, 1993, 15:45 local (22:45 UTC)
- Place: Buttonwillow, CA
- Coordinates: 35.42921, -119.489982 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.4292&lon=-119.4900&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report December 2, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28482
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA361
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28482/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA361

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO AVOID WIRES.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - object - wire,transmission
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - crop

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH HIGH TENSION WIRES DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT. THE OPERATOR NOTED IN THE REPORT THAT THE 'PILOT SHOULD HAVE AVOIDED WIRES.'

## Factual narrative

On September 20, 1993, at 1545 hours Pacific daylight time, a Gulfstream-Schweitzer G-164B, N8133K, collided with high tension wires near Buttonwillow, California.  The pilot was conducting a visual flight rules aerial application flight under Title 14 CFR Part 137. The airplane, operated by Vince Crop Dusters Inc., sustained substantial damage.  The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated at a privately owned airstrip at Buttonwillow, California, at an undetermined time.

The pilot or operator did not provide a statement with respect to the circumstances of the accident in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2.  The operator noted in the recommendations section of the report that the "pilot should have avoided wires."

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8133K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8133K), registered now, S/N 579B (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GULFSTREAM-SCHWEIZER G-164B
- Registry model: [Gulfstream-Schweizer A/C GULFSTREAM AM G-164B](https://openairdocs.org/model/gulfstream-schweizer-a-c-gulfstream-am-g-164b) (registry code 3979904) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 579B
- Airframe hours: 5781
- Engines: P&W R-1340 AN1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Vince Cropdusters, Inc.
- Registered owner: Vince Cropdusters, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, August 27, 1993, 21 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 21,242 total, 7,000 in this make and model, 21,160 as pilot in command, 800 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °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 19930920035279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930920035279A), Sep 20, 1993: Scwzer G164B, Buttonwillow, CA, Substantial damage. Collided with power line during spray run. Failed to avoid known wires.

## Other investigations on N8133K (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 LAX85LA332](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA332), Jul 29, 1985: Gulfstream-Schweizer Gulfstream AM G-164B (N8133K), Poston, AZ, 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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.