Pilot Debrief

GRUMMAN G-164 near Princeton, CA — 2011-05-04

Final reportWPR11CA198
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Date
2011-05-04
Location
Princeton, CA, USA
Aircraft
GRUMMAN G-164
Registration
N716Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he took off into a 15-mph headwind from a dirt strip with an 1,800-pound load of fertilizer. When the airplane was about 100 to 150 feet above ground level, he started turning into the downwind leg of the traffic pattern. The airplane began to descend as he turned and he could not maintain altitude. He had insufficient altitude to release the full 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.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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