Pilot Debrief

GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G-164B near Covington, OK — 2013-06-06

Final reportCEN13LA322
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Date
2013-06-06
Location
Covington, OK, USA
Airport
0OK8
Aircraft
GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G-164B
Registration
N6754Q
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The airplane’s failure to climb after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examinations of the engine and airframe did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that, after takeoff for an aerial application flight, the airplane was "a little sluggish" while he was maneuvering it about 30 feet above the ground. He stated that he was gently pulling back on the control stick when the airplane started to descend. He then advanced the throttle; however, the airplane continued to descend and then impacted terrain and flipped over. Postaccident examination of the engine and airframe did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot stated that the engine instruments did not indicate any power loss and that he topped off the fuel tanks before the flight. He also reported that the wind at the time of takeoff was about 5 knots with no gusts, and the atmospheric conditions were not conducive to the accumulation of carburetor ice. The airplane was below its maximum takeoff gross weight. The reason for the airplane's failure to climb could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff when the airplane felt sluggish.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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