# NTSB SEA00LA099: Grumman-Schweizer G-164B, N6549K, Colfax, WA, June 5, 2000 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 5, 2000, 09:30 local (16:30 UTC) - Place: Colfax, WA - Coordinates: 46.850254, -117.440048 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.8503&lon=-117.4400&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report May 9, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 49375 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA00LA099 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/49375/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA00LA099 ## Probable cause The pilots failure to maintain clearance from power transmission lines. ## 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 - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled ## Analysis During a routine aerial application flight, the aircraft collided with power transmission lines. The pilot sated that he was aware of the power lines and he intended to fly under them. However, the aircraft collided with the power lines and subsequently collided with terrain. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the aircraft that contributed to the accident. ## Factual narrative On June 5, 2000, about 0930 Pacific daylight time, a Grumman-Schweizer G-164B (Ag Cat), N6549K, registered to and operated by Southeastern Aviation Incorporated, as a 14CFR137 aerial applicator, was substantially damaged after colliding with power lines and terrain 15 miles west of Colfax, Washington. The commercial pilot sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. There was no report of fire. The flight originated from Whitman County Memorial Airport, Colfax, Washington, approximately 20 minutes prior to the accident. The pilot reported that he was conducting a routine aerial application flight. He stated that he was aware of the power line that crossed his flight path (perpendicular) and that he intended to fly under them. However, the aircraft collided with the power line and the aircraft subsequently collided with terrain. According to a deputy from the Whitman County Sheriff's Department, the power lines measured approximately 40 feet above ground level (AGL). The pilot reported that he had not experienced any mechanical difficulties with the aircraft that contributed to the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N6549K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6549K-2002-11-19), registration cancelled 2002-11-19, S/N 364B, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Grumman-Schweizer G-164B - Registry model: [Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164B](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-acft-eng-cor-schweizer-g-164b) (registry code 3952802) (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: 364B - Airframe hours: 5730 - Engines: P&W R-1340 600 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: Southeastern Aviation, Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, October 21, 1999, 150 hours before - Departed: S94, COLFAX, WA ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 57; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 15,787 total, 6,500 in this make and model, 300 in the last 90 days, 90 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 220° at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 52 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: PUW, 260 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 20000605012059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20000605012059A), Jun 5, 2000: Scwzer G164B, Diamond, WA, No damage. (-23) While engaged in agricultural aerial applications, a/c began spray run that would be conducted under a set of approx. 25' power lines. The top wing of… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.