Pilot Debrief

GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G-164B near Beech Grove, AR — 2013-03-08

Final reportCEN13LA191
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Date
2013-03-08
Location
Beech Grove, AR, USA
Aircraft
GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G-164B
Registration
N6902K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during the takeoff roll.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane was loaded with 114 gallons of fuel and 250 gallons of weed killer, which was a normal load for this type of operation. He indicated that during the takeoff roll, the airplane started to get “light” so he attempted to become airborne. The airplane then settled back down on the runway, bounced, and then veered off the left side of the runway. The left wing impacted terrain and the airplane subsequently bounced into an adjacent open field. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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