Summary
On April 28, 1997, a Grumman-schweizer G-164A (N7696) was involved in an accident near Hatch, NM. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the wires. A factor was the sunglare.
On April 28, 1997, at 0845 mountain daylight time, a Grumman Schweizer G-164A, N7696, registered to and operated by By Ag Air Service, Inc., as a Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight, was substantially damaged after impacting wires while maneuvering near Hatch, New Mexico. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed. The commercial pilot was seriously injured. The flight originated from Hatch Municipal Airport about 5 minutes prior to the accident.
Witnesses reported to the FAA inspector that during a swath run, which was made "facing the sun," the airplane struck some wires. Subsequently, the airplane impacted Highway 185, slid approximately 30 feet, and came to rest in a ditch.
This accident is documented in NTSB report FTW97LA167. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N7696.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the wires. A factor was the sunglare.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On April 28, 1997, at 0845 mountain daylight time, a Grumman Schweizer G-164A, N7696, registered to and operated by By Ag Air Service, Inc., as a Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight, was substantially damaged after impacting wires while maneuvering near Hatch, New Mexico. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed. The commercial pilot was seriously injured. The flight originated from Hatch Municipal Airport about 5 minutes prior to the accident.
Witnesses reported to the FAA inspector that during a swath run, which was made "facing the sun," the airplane struck some wires. Subsequently, the airplane impacted Highway 185, slid approximately 30 feet, and came to rest in a ditch. The pilot's flagman reported that he had warned the pilot of the wires prior to the accident flight.
Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed that the top wing and engine were separated from the fuselage, and the bottom wing was damaged.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW97LA167