# NTSB MIA00LA245: Schweizer G-164A, N8919H, Berlin, GA, August 23, 2000

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 23, 2000, 11:45 local (15:45 UTC)
- Place: Berlin, GA
- Coordinates: 31.160905, -83.770439 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.1609&lon=-83.7704&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 17, 2001
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 50072
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA00LA245
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/50072/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA00LA245

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall and collision with terrain.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
  - airspeed(vs) - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - crop

## Analysis

The pilot stated that he was engaged in aerial application and was making normal spray runs. He further stated that while turning the aircraft he stalled the wings, and the aircraft became inverted, and he never regained control. He said the aircraft crashed in the cotton field that he had been spraying. He further stated that prior to the accident, he did not experience any mechanical malfunction or failure with the aircraft, or any of its systems.

## Factual narrative

On August 23, 2000, about 1145 eastern daylight time, a Schweizer G-164A, N8919H, registered to and operated by a private owner, as a Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight, crashed while maneuvering during aerial application in Berlin, Georgia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The airplane incurred substantial damage, and the commercial-rated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated in Norman Park, Georgia, the same day, about 1045.

The pilot stated that he was making normal spray runs, and while turning he stalled the wings, and the aircraft became inverted. He said he never regained control and the aircraft crashed in the cotton field he was spraying. The pilot further stated that he did not experience any mechanical malfunction or failure to the aircraft, or its systems prior to the accident. According to the pilot, the wings were bent, and the empennage torn off, as a result of the accident.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8919H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8919H-2013-03-11), registration cancelled 2013-03-11, S/N 1563, built 1975 (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 R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1563
- Engines: P&W PT6-20 550 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Van F. Suber
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Limited (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 2000
- Departed: NORMAN PARK, GA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 9,600 total, 4,000 in this make and model, 9,300 as pilot in command, 273 in the last 90 days, 96 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: VAD, 35 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 20000823008509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20000823008509A), Aug 23, 2000: Scwzer G164A, Berlin, GA, No damage. (-23) Pilot stalled wing during spray application. No mechanical malfunction occurred.

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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