GRUMMAN G-164
Princeton, CA — May 4, 2011
Event Information
| Date | May 4, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR11CA198 |
| Event ID | 20110414X45845 |
| Location | Princeton, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 39.40333, -122.04667 |
| Airport | None |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | GRUMMAN |
| Model | G-164 |
| 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 maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot stated that he took off into a 15-mph head wind from a dirt strip with a 1,800 pound load of fertilizer. He climbed the airplane to around 100 to 150 feet above ground level (agl) and started the downwind turn. The airplane began to descend as he turned downwind and he could not maintain altitude. He had insufficient altitude to release all the load before the airplane collided with the terrain. The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.
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.