Friday, May 17, 2019

Grumman-Schweizer G-164C Ag Cat, N6787K and Gulfstream-Schweizer G-164D Turbo Ag Cat, N6929K : Fatal accident occurred May 15, 2019 in Pleasant Grove, Sutter County, California

The National Transportation Safety Board traveled to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Sacramento, California

N6787K Aviation Accident Preliminary Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/N6787K

Location: Pleasant Grove, CA
Accident Number: WPR19FA145A
Date & Time: 05/15/2019, 1215 PDT
Registration: N6787K
Aircraft: Grumman G164
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural 

On May 15, 2019, at 1215 Pacific daylight time, a Grumman Schweizer airplane, G164C, N6787K, and a Grumman Schweizer airplane G164D, N6929K, collided in mid-air over a rice field in Pleasant Grove, California. Both commercial pilots in each of the airplanes were fatally injured and both airplanes were destroyed. The G164C was registered to the pilot and operated by Moe's Crop-Dusting Service. The G164D was registered to Rafter V Ranch and operated by Van Dyke Brothers. Both airplanes were operating under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an agricultural flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area flights and company flight plans were filed for both flights. The G164C departed from Moe's Crop-Dusting Service, a private strip, in Pleasant Grove, and was transitioning south-southeast bound to seed a local area field. The G164D had just completed seeding a local area field and was transitioning back to Van Dyke Strip Airport (25CL), Pleasant Grove, when the collision occurred.

A witness located about a half-mile west of the accident reported that she saw the G164C traveling southbound. She heard a bang and saw both left wings depart the airplane. The nose dropped and the airplane impact the ground. At that time, she was unaware that another airplane was in the area and did not see the collision.

The National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, and a Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness inspector responded to the accident site. The airplanes came to rest about a quarter mile apart. The G164C came to rest in a dry field adjacent to an access road. The G164D came to rest in a nose down attitude in a rice field.

Both airplanes were recovered for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Grumman
Registration: N6787K
Model/Series: G164 C 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: Moe's Crop Dusting Service Inc.
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLHM, 122 ft msl
Observation Time: 1215 PDT
Distance from Accident Site: 4 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 13°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 3200 ft agl
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 170°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 8500 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.84 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Departure Point: Pleasant Grove, CA
Destination: Pleasant Grove, CA

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 38.885278, -121.423889

N6929K  Aviation Accident Preliminary Report - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/N6929K

Location: Pleasant Grove, CA
Accident Number: WPR19FA145B
Date & Time: 05/15/2019, 1215 PDT
Registration: N6929K
Aircraft: Grumman G164
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural 

On May 15, 2019, at 1215 Pacific daylight time, a Grumman Schweizer airplane, G164C, N6787K, and a Grumman Schweizer airplane G164D, N6929K, collided in mid-air over a rice field in Pleasant Grove, California. Both commercial pilots in each of the airplanes were fatally injured and both airplanes were destroyed. The G164C was registered to the pilot and operated by Moe's Crop-Dusting Service. The G164D was registered to Rafter V Ranch and operated by Van Dyke Brothers. Both airplanes were operating under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an agricultural flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area flights and company flight plans were filed for both flights. The G164C departed from Moe's Crop-Dusting Service, a private strip, in Pleasant Grove, and was transitioning south-southeast bound to seed a local area field. The G164D had just completed seeding a local area field and was transitioning back to Van Dyke Strip Airport (25CL), Pleasant Grove, when the collision occurred.

A witness located about a half-mile west of the accident reported that she saw the G164C traveling southbound. She heard a bang and saw both left wings depart the airplane. The nose dropped and the airplane impact the ground. At that time, she was unaware that another airplane was in the area and did not see the collision.

The National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, and a Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness inspector responded to the accident site. The airplanes came to rest about a quarter mile apart. The G164C came to rest in a dry field adjacent to an access road. The G164D came to rest in a nose down attitude in a rice field.

Both airplanes were recovered for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Grumman
Registration: N6929K
Model/Series: G164 D
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLHM, 122 ft msl
Observation Time: 1215 PDT
Distance from Accident Site: 4 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 13°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 3200 ft agl
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 170°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 8500 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.84 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Departure Point: Pleasant Grove, CA (25CL)
Destination: Pleasant Grove, CA (25CL)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 38.885278, -121.423889

Those who may have information that might be relevant to the National Transportation Safety Board investigation may contact them by email eyewitnessreport@ntsb.gov, and any friends and family who want to contact investigators about the accident should email assistance@ntsb.gov. 

Brian Julean Van Dyke, 62, passed away on May 15th, 2019. He was tragically taken from this life doing what he loved, sowing rice seed in his D Model Ag Cat over his family's ranch. Brian was born November 15, 1956, in Sacramento, California to Dean and Donna Van Dyke.

Brian grew up in Pleasant Grove, California where he developed a deep love for farming while working with his Dad and Pop on the farm. Brian graduated in 1974 from East Nicolaus High School. He was captain of the football team and Class President. He was active in many sports and clubs. After high school he attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and continued onto Chico State. Brian then graduated from Sierra Academy of Aeronautics in Oakland in 1978 to pursue a career in aviation.

In 1978, he began working alongside his father and two brothers at VA farms. After 20 years, Brian started Rafter V Ranch where he spent the last 20 years of his life.

Brian worked hard and played hard. He enjoyed water skiing, duck hunting on his ranch, goose hunting in Canada, dove hunting in Mexico, big game hunting in Montana and Colorado and fishing in Baja, California. He was an award winning trap shooter, sprint car racer, offroad racer and desert racer. Brian enjoyed many Sandrail trips to Glamis, Dumont Dunes, Coos Bay, Pismo Beach. He loved to collect hot rods and cruise on his motorcycle. Brian was a loving father and grandfather and he will be deeply missed and always remembered.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, David Clark Van Dyke, Elizabeth Anita Hotchkiss Van Dyke, Frank Otto Battenberg, Pearl Bethal Bennett. His parents, Dean Sherwood Van Dyke and Donna Maxine Battenberg.

He is survived by his older brothers, Robert (Karen) Van Dyke and Gary (Mary) Van Dyke. Virginia Dee Van Dyke and children, Kaysi Raquel (Nick) Van Dyke/Fox, Brandon Cole (Vanessa) Van Dyke, Brian Seth (Alexys) Van Dyke and Foryst Stone Van Dyke. As well as his beloved grandchildren: Kruz, Kannon, Weston, Vivienne, Beau, Henry and Ty. His girlfriend Sandy King and her children, as well as many friends.

A viewing will take place Tuesday, May 21st, 2019 at Twin Cities Mortuary, 715 Shasta Street, Yuba City, California. Services will be held Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019 at 10am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 5091 Wheatland Road, Wheatland, California followed by graveside services at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, on Howsley Road. A Celebration of Life immediately following at Robert and Karen Van Dykes.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the ENHS Almuni or SSRA pool.

Obituary for Burton (Burt) Allen Haughey

Celebration of Life: For Burt will be held June 5th, 2019 at Bishop Pumpkin Farm 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM. Lunch @ 1:30 PM 



PLEASANT GROVE, California  (KCRA) —  Federal investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration were in Sutter County on Thursday trying to determine what caused two crop dusters to collide in midair Wednesday, killing both pilots.

“What we look for are witness remarks as to how the airplanes came together so that we can get directions of flight, altitudes, those type of things,” said Tealeye Cornejo, the lead investigator on the scene from the NTSB.

“We're gathering up perishable evidence so that when we lay it out we'll know what we're looking at to try and piece together what happened,” Cornejo said.

By midday, crane operators were lifting and hauling debris from a white, single-engine Grumman G-146C AG Cat that belonged to Burt Haughey, 58, identified by authorities as one of the casualties.

Haughey’s friend, Don Tolland, said he traveled from Yuba City to the crash site because he had to see the wreckage for himself to know it was real.

“Burt was such a good pilot, so careful and such a good person,” Tolland said. “I worked for his dad back when Burt was 4 or 5 year old. He used to ride in a loader truck with me. I taught him how to drive a tractor for his first time. It's pretty sad for me to see this.”

“I mean, him and his dad were just good for the communities,” Tolland added.

Tolland said his friend flew for Moe’s Crop Dusting.

“They did a lot of work in this area, took care of a lot of people, so it's going to be a hard hit for these guys,” Tolland said.

The pilot of a yellow crop duster has been identified as 62-year-old Brian Van Dyke, a rice farmer.

Crop dusters are a big part of the landscape in Sutter County and on Thursday, the California Rice Commission issued a statement regarding the two pilots who died.

“We are incredibly saddened to learn of this incident which claimed the lives of these well known and respected agricultural pilots,” the Rice Commission said.

“We are a close-knit family community and pilots are a critical part of growing rice in the Sacramento Valley,” the Rice Commission stated.

Investigators said they will need several more days to piece together all the evidence that is on the ground. What they really want are witnesses.

“It would be really helpful to have some eyewitness statements,” Cornejo said.

She said anyone with relevant information can contact investigators via email at eyewitness@ntsb.gov.

Cornejo said she hoped to issue a preliminary report on the NTSB’s early findings in 10 days. She said she expected the yellow crop duster, now stuck in the waters of a rice paddy, to be hauled out by crane operators Friday.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.kcra.com


PLEASANT GROVE — Two crop dusting pilots died Wednesday after colliding midair near Pleasant Grove.

The Sutter County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Burton A. Haughey, 58, of Wheatland, and Brian J. VanDyke, 62, of Rio Oso, died in the collision over the 3700 block of Striplin Road just before noon. The pilots were flying Grumman G-164C Ag Cats — popular crop duster planes, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement.

“Law enforcement is reporting to us that two single-engine Grumman G-164C Ag Cats collided in midair under unknown circumstances over Striplin, California, around noon,” FAA spokesman Ian Gregor said in a statement. “One pilot was reportedly on board each aircraft.”

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the matter, with the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office handling the coroner’s report.

Sutter County Undersheriff Scott Smallwood said the planes are about 150 yards away from each other. As of 2:45 p.m., one body still needed to be extricated from a plane. Smallwood said the planes were seeding rice fields in the area.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.mercurynews.com











Both pilots were killed Wednesday when two single-engine planes collided in midair over Northern California, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The Grumman G-164C Ag Cats, which are used as crop dusters for agriculture in the area, crashed near the community of Pleasant Grove. The pilots were planting rice seeds with their aircraft.

"We gotta have these pilots. They got to keep this farming thing going and that’s what it's all about," Tom Beilby, a friend of both victims, told FOX40.

Authorities initially believed the crash involved a single plane, but once police arrived at the scene, they realized two planes had collided.

The two pilots were identified as 62-year-old Brian Van Dyke and 58-year-old Burton Haughley, according to the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities are unsure what caused the planes to collide.

Both pilots grew up around airplanes and had been flying since their childhoods, Beilby said.

"It's just something that both of them started young in their lives," he said. "Both their dads flew airplanes. They started flying airplanes when they were young guys and it gets under your skin, I think just like any other job or any type of hobby, it’s something that you enjoy."

Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.foxnews.com

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