SCHWEIZER G-164B
Buttonwillow, CA — February 5, 2011
Event Information
| Date | February 5, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR11CA128 |
| Event ID | 20110208X93551 |
| Location | Buttonwillow, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.45583, -119.58000 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | SCHWEIZER |
| Model | G-164B |
| 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 failure to maintain clearance from an irrigation vent pipe.
Full Narrative
The aerial application pilot stated that he was making a low pass over a field, dispensing smoke, to determine wind direction and velocity. The airplane struck a 20-foot-high irrigation vent pipe, which was located in the field that he was working. He proceeded straight ahead and attempted a forced landing on a dirt road immediately next to the field because the engine was losing power. Upon touching down, the right main wheel got into some soft dirt and the airplane nosed over inverted. The engine mount was bent, and the fuselage and vertical stabilizer were wrinkled.
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.