Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-altitude maneuvering.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while conducting an agricultural application flight, he misjudged the height of the power wires, and as a result, the airplane's right wing struck the lower wire. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground and rolled several times before coming to a stop, and a fire ensued.
The airplane was destroyed by postaccident fire.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA270 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 15, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lane City, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grumman G164
- N-number
- N4865
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1972
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.