AG-CAT CORPORATION G 164
Tulelake, CA — June 5, 2017
Event Information
| Date | June 5, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA321 |
| Event ID | 20170605X33455 |
| Location | Tulelake, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 41.89056, -121.36056 |
| Airport | TULELAKE MUNI |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | AG-CAT CORPORATION |
| Model | G 164 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 137 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s improper decision to perform a low altitude fly-by over ground equipment, which resulted in the airplane striking the equipment.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he was maneuvering to perform an aerial application. He noticed a ground application operator whom was located inside of the cab of the ground application equipment. The pilot decided to perform a "close fly-by" over the ground equipment. The left main landing gear struck the ground equipment cab, and the pilot elected to return to the airport. He landed on the gravel taxiway that paralleled runway 30. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left main landing gear attachment points.
Per the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented, "had the pilot used better judgement and not done a close fly-by the ground application equipment" which was also owned by the operator.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.