# NTSB MKC85FA087: Grumman G-164A, N8729H, Coy, AR, April 20, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: April 20, 1985, 08:05 local (14:05 UTC)
- Place: Coy, AR
- Coordinates: 34.540428, -91.870429 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.5404&lon=-91.8704&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33831
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85FA087
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33831/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85FA087

## 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 (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
  - pull-up - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE APPROACHING A FIELD TO DISPENSE RICE, THE ACFT STRUCK A SET OF POWER LINES. THE PLT HAD FLOWN OVER THE SAME SET OF POWER LINES FOR NEARLY 2 HOURS. THE FLAGMEN STATED THEY HEARD THE ACFT STRIKE THE WIRES AND ONE OF THE WIRES MADE A 'POP' AS IF BEING SEPARATED FROM THE POLE. THE REMAINDER OF THE THREE LINES STAYED WITH THE ACFT DURING THE DESCENT. THE WIRES WERE LYING BY THE ACFT WHICH HAD FLIPPED INVERTED AND CAUGHT FIRE. AN ACFT INSPECTION REVEALED NO PREIMPACT FAILURES OF THE FLT CONTROLS OR ENGINE COMPONENTS.THE TRANSMISSION LINES ARE DIFFICULT TO SEE FROM THE GROUND AND AIR, BLENDING WITH THE BACKGROUND COLORING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N8729H (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN G-164A
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1502
- Airframe hours: 3766
- Engines: P&W R1340-AN-1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Rebel Aviation Service
- Registered owner: T.E. Demint
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, February 1, 1985
- Departed: COY, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 18,000 total, 2,100 in this make and model, 10 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Observed at: PBF, 18 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 19850420013529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850420013529A), Apr 20, 1985: Scwzer G164A, Coy, AR, Destroyed. Gear struck powerline on approach to field to dispense rice. Struck ground nose down, flipped over and burned.

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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