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August 13, 2009 · Grumman Acft Eng Cor-Schweizer G-164B · N6697Q

Westley, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 13, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Westley, CA
Aircraft
Grumman Acft Eng Cor-Schweizer G-164B
Tail Number
N6697Q
Operator
Valley Crop Dusting
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR09CA393

The pilot reported that the airplane did not climb after takeoff and was very sluggish. He held the airplane in ground effect to gain airspeed so that he could clear the chain link fence at the end of the runway. As the pilot attempted to initiate a climb, the airplane started to descend towards a sewage pond. The pilot attempted to jettison the load, but the airplane impacted the sewage pond and nosed over. The operator estimated that the airplane's gross weight at the time of the accident was approximately 6,100 pounds. Weight and Balance Data taken from the G-164B Pilot's Operating Handbook indicates that the maximum gross weight for the G-164B is 5,200 pounds.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and preparation, and his decision to operate the airplane well in excess of its maximum gross weight.

Full Narrative

The agricultural airplane was overloaded for conditions during takeoff. The pilot reported that the airplane did not climb after takeoff and was very sluggish. He held the airplane in ground effect to gain airspeed so that he could clear the chain link fence at the end of the runway. As the pilot attempted to initiate a climb, the airplane started to descend towards a sewage pond. The pilot attempted to jettison the load, but the airplane impacted the sewage pond and flipped over. The operator estimated that the airplane's gross weight at the time of the accident was approximately 6,100 pounds. Weight and Balance Data taken from the G-164B Pilot's Operating Handbook indicates that the maximum gross weight for the G-164B with the R-1340 engine is 5,200 pounds. Civil Aeronautics Manual (CAM) 8, paragraph 8.10-4 (b) "Maximum Weight" states that establishing a maximum weight for an agricultural aircraft is not required. "In lieu thereof, maximum weights for the special purpose loads (e.g. hopper or tank capacities) should be selected by the applicant and demonstrated in a flight check."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:20 PDT
Nearest AirportPrivate Airstrip (0nm)
Runway27
Runway Length1800 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGrumman Acft Eng Cor-Schweizer G-164B
Tail NumberN6697Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorValley Crop Dusting
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-985-AN1 · Reciprocating · 450
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data