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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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March 18, 1999 · Grumman G-164A · N8742H

Gillett, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 18, 1999
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Gillett, AR
Aircraft
Grumman G-164A
Tail Number
N8742H
Operator
Trites Flying Service
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW99LA095

The agricultural aircraft impacted the terrain during the downwind takeoff/initial climb to the south from the wet and soft grass airstrip (2,600 feet). The operator reported the winds were from the north at 15 knots. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported on the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2).

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during the downwind departure. Factors were the tailwind and the wet soft grass airstrip.

Full Narrative

On March 18, 1999, at 0800 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164A, agricultural aircraft, N8742H, impacted the terrain during the takeoff/initial climb near Gillett, Arkansas. The aircraft, owned and operated by Trites Flying Service, Gillett, Arkansas, was operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 137. The commercial pilot, sole occupant, received minor injuries and the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the local aerial application flight. The aircraft was departing from a private grass airstrip at the time of the accident. The operator and the pilot reported to the investigator-in-charge (IIC) that the grass/sod runway (2,600 feet in length) was wet and soft. The airplane was loaded with fertilizer. The winds were from the north at 15 knots and the airplane departed downwind. After becoming airborne, the airplane lost altitude, and impacted in a field. Damage occurred throughout the structural components of the airplane. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported on the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2).

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:00 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway18
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGrumman G-164A
Tail NumberN8742H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTrites Flying Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPzl-Kalisz · PZL-RZESZOW · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 1500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data