Pilot Debrief

GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G-164A near Harlan, IA — 2009-08-10

Final reportCEN09CA516
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Date
2009-08-10
Location
Harlan, IA, USA
Airport
HNR
Aircraft
GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G-164A
Registration
N4598
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

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.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that 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.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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