Grumman G164
Alicia, AR — August 3, 2020
Event Information
| Date | August 3, 2020 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN20LA327 |
| Event ID | 20200807X45731 |
| Location | Alicia, AR |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.89444, -91.12583 |
| Airport | PRI |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
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 | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
Inadequate maintenance of panel fasteners, which led to a side panel coming loose during takeoff and the pilot having to make a subsequent forced landing to a flooded rice field when the airplane became difficult to control.
Full Narrative
On August 3, 2020, about 1400 central daylight time, a Grumman G164 airplane, N8105K, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Alicia, Arkansas. The pilot suffered serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight.
The pilot stated that soon after takeoff from a private airstrip, a side panel came loose on the right side of the airplane. Due to difficulties with controlling the airplane that included an un-commanded pitch up, the pilot elected to make a forced landing into a flooded rice field, which damaged both wings and fuselage. Examination revealed the fasteners for the airframe and side panel both had significant wear, which resulted in the panel coming loose during the flight. The leading edge of the elevator was also found to be rusted and covered with duct tape.
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.