Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft. A factor was the high winds.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While seeding rice, the aircraft was maneuvering for a second pass. The pilot reported that he was struck by a gust of wind in excess of 30 mph and the aircraft rolled into an inverted position striking trees and the ground.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 17, 1995, at 0930 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164B, N8365K, was substantially damaged while maneuvering near Saint Martinville, Louisiana. The commercial pilot/owner/operator sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local 14 CFR 137 aerial application flight. During an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector and in a written statement, the pilot reported that he was maneuvering to make another pass over a rice field when he encountered strong winds, "over 40 miles per hour." The aircraft rolled inverted and impacted trees and the ground. -