Grumman G164
Maxwell, CA — May 29, 2020
Event Information
| Date | May 29, 2020 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR20CA159 |
| Event ID | 20200601X92543 |
| Location | Maxwell, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 39.29945, -122.18889 |
| Airport | MOLLER |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Grumman |
| Model | G164 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 137 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's delayed decision to abort the takeoff when the airplane was not attaining sufficient airspeed for takeoff and subsequently departed the end of the runway and collided with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight preparation and planning and decision to takeoff with a tailwind.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that after loading the airplane with 2000 lbs. of sulfate and topping off with fuel in preparation for the aerial application flight, he began the takeoff roll on the 2,000 ft long airstrip with a tailwind. The pilot realized that he was in trouble and needed more airspeed, so he applied full available power as there was now insufficient runway remaining to abort the takeoff and safely stop. The airplane subsequently collided with a berm at the end of the airstrip and became airborne for a short distance before the pilot forced landed the airplane in a rice field. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The wings and empennage were substantially damaged.
The pilot added that he should have evaluated the weight, wind direction, and density altitude in relation to the performance capability of the airplane.
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact failures or malfunctions with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.