# NTSB MKC89LA085: Grumman G-164A, N48385, Advance, MO, March 25, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 25, 1989, 08:15 local (14:15 UTC)
- Place: Advance, MO
- Coordinates: 37.099971, -89.910629 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.1000&lon=-89.9106&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 11, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34773
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89LA085
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34773/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA085

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT RESULTING IN HIS FAILURE TO SEE POWER LINES IN TIME TO AVOID THEM. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE REDUCED VISIBILITY DUE TO FOG.

## 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
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,static (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE PERFORMING AN AERIAL APPLICATION OPERATION DURING MARGINAL VFR FLIGHT CONDITIONS, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK POWER LINES. THE PILOT SAID HE DID NOT SEE THEM UNTIL IT WAS TOO LATE TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N48385](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N48385-2017-12-13), registration cancelled 2017-12-13, S/N 1625, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN 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 R-985 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r-985-series) (registry code 52008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1625
- Airframe hours: 3630
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Hall, James N.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, January 17, 1989, 30 hours before
- Departed: M066, PAINTON, MO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 2,416 total, 2,085 in this make and model, 2,361 as pilot in command, 31 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CGI, 10 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 19890325004569A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890325004569A), Mar 25, 1989: Scwzer G164A, Advance, MO, Substantial damage. Struck powerlines and crashed during an aerial application operation. Low clouds and fog in area.

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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