GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G-164A
Harlan, IA — August 10, 2009
Event Information
| Date | August 10, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN09CA516 |
| Event ID | 20090811X65603 |
| Location | Harlan, IA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 41.58500, -95.34389 |
| Airport | Harlan Municipal Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER |
| Model | G-164A |
| 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 failure to perform accurate weight and balance calculations which resulted in exceeding the maximum takeoff weight and the airplane's climb capability.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported the airplane would not climb out of ground effect during takeoff. The airplane settled into a corn field located off the end of the 3,100 foot long asphalt runway. The left landing gear collapsed and the airplane nosed over resulting in substantial damage to the wings. The maximum certified gross weight of the airplane was 4,500 pounds with a basic empty weight of 3,093.8 pounds. The airplane was loaded with 80 gallons of fuel (480 pounds) and 170 gallons (1,419.5 pounds) of water/chemical mix. The pilot's weight was approximately 185 pounds. The airplane was approximately 678.3 pounds over the maximum gross weight at the time of the takeoff.
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.