# NTSB NYC90DHA01: Grumman G-164A, N913X, Hunlock Creek, PA, May 23, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: May 23, 1990, 09:43 local (14:43 UTC)
- Place: Hunlock Creek, PA
- Coordinates: 41.249958, -76.099563 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.2500&lon=-76.0996&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 21, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36497
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC90DHA01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36497/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC90DHA01

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FROM OBTACLES, AND HIS FAILURE TO SEE AND AVOID THE ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION LINE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water,rough

## Analysis

WITNESSES REPORTED THAT THEY OBSERVED THE AIRCRAFT AS IT FLEW UP THE RIVER, AND WATCHED IT AGAIN AS IT RETURNED DOWN THE RIVER. THE WITNESSES GENERALLY AGREED THAT THEY AIRCRAFT WAS FLYING LOW OVER THE RIVER AND IT STRUCK THE POWER LINES THAT CROSSED THE RIVER. THE AIRCRAFT WAS OBSERVED TO 'SWING SIDE TO SIDE', THEN IT ROLLED OVER AND ENTERED THE RIVER AT A STEEP ANGLE. SEVERAL WITNESSES REPORTED THAT THEY SAW A BLUE FLASH/FLASH OF ELECTRICITY WHEN THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK THE POWER LINES. THE AIRCRAFT WAS BEING OPERATED FOR AERIAL APPLICATION OF A GYPSY MOTH INSECTICIDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N913X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N913X-1991-02-04), registration cancelled 1991-02-04, S/N 433 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN G-164A
- Registry model: [Grumman G-164A](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-g-164a) (registry code 3952704) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 433
- Engines: P&W R1340 AN1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Aero Crop Services
- Registered owner: Downstown Airport, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 1990, 56 hours before
- Departed: HZL, HAZLETON, PA
- Destination: HZL, HAZLETON, PA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 3,541 total, 34 in this make and model, 150 in the last 90 days, 75 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 7,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: IPT

## 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 19900523017189A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900523017189A), May 23, 1990: Scwzer G164A, Hunlock Creek, PA, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. Struck powerline while spraying for gypsy moths. Spun into river and sank. Powerline was over river.

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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