Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
failure of the pilot to remain clear of the power lines. Factors relating to the accident were: Lack of visual cues at dawn, and the power lines.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On May 25, 1996, about 0527 hours Pacific daylight time, a Grumman G-164 Ag-Cat, N48379, operated by World Agra-Air, Inc., was destroyed after colliding with power lines near Colusa, California. The flight was being operated under 14 CFR Part 137 at the time of the accident. The pilot received fatal injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the early morning flight which originated at Maxwell, California. There were no known witnesses to the accident. The operator reported no mechanical problems.
A postaccident autopsy was performed by the Colusa County Medical Examiner. During that procedure samples were obtained for analysis by the FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAMI) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. On August 7, 1996, a telephone call was placed to CAMI for the results of the analysis. All tests had been performed except the urine screen. The tests for drugs, ethanol, and carbon monoxide were negative.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX96LA204