# NTSB MKC87FA172: Schweizer G-164B, N36328, Weiner, AR, September 18, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 17, 1987, 19:00 local (Sep 18, 1987, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Weiner, AR
- Coordinates: 35.609714, -90.900421 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.6097&lon=-90.9004&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report January 11, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34303
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC87FA172
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34303/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC87FA172

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - seat belt - not used, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - shoulder harness - not used, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - low pass - intentional, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - bird(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - crop (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT RPRTD HE WAS ON A FLT TO CHASE BIRDS FROM A RICE FIELD. DRG A LOW PASS OVER THE FIELD, THE MAIN WHEELS DSCNDD INTO THE RICE CROP, & AFTER ABOUT 1000', THE ACFT CONTACTED THE TERRAIN & NOSED OVER. THE SINGLE PLACE ACFT WAS EQUIPPEDWITH ONLY ONE SEAT BELT & SHOULDER HARNESS. NEITHER OCCUPANT WAS USING THE RESTRAINT DEVICES. AFTER THE ACDNT, THE PASSENGER WAS FOUND OUTSIDE THE COCKPIT WITH FATAL INJURIES. THE PLT STATED THAT WHEN THE ACFT WAS OVER THE RICE FIELD, A LARGE FLOCK OF BIRDS WAS ENCTRD & THAT HE APPARENTLY LET THE AIRPLANE GET INTO THE RICE. SVRL DEAD BIRDS WERE FOUND AT THE ACDNT SITE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N36328 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER G-164B
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 773B
- Airframe hours: 810
- Engines: P&W PT-6-15AC 550 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Registered owner: Harrell G. Bryant DBA
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, September 12, 1987, 1 hours before
- Departed: WEINER, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 12,115 total, 12,050 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19870917053339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870917053339A), Sep 17, 1987: Grumav STCG164, Weiner, AR, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. On flight chase birds from rice field. Wheels hit levee. Aircraft nosed over. Had unbelted passenger on board.

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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