Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot misjudged clearance from the vehicle.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During an aerial application flight, the pilot flew under a wire to cross a road and transition to another field. He observed a vehicle traveling on the road; however, he thought the vehicle would be clear as he crossed the road. As he continued, the right wing of the aircraft struck the right rear of the cattle truck. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude and the airplane impacted the ground.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 3, 1994, at 1030 central daylight time, a Grumman G- 164B, N6676K, was substantially damaged while maneuvering near Oak Grove, Louisiana. The commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot was crossing a road in order to transition to another field. He flew under a wire while crossing the road and struck a cattle truck and descended out of control to ground impact, resulting in the deformation of all four wings, the propeller, and the left main landing gear. The aircraft "could not maintain altitude" and the pilot landed in the field. The pilot stated in his Pilot/Operator Report (NTSB Form 3120.1/2) that "it appeared to me the traffic would be well out of the way by the time I got to the road." He further stated that he "couldn't go up because of the wires." -