Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
failure of the pilot to allow the airplane to achieve sufficient airspeed for takeoff, and the resultant loss of aircraft control. Factors relating to the accident were: the rough runway, and the mound of dirt at the end of the runway.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On July 27, 1996, at 1430 central daylight time (cdt), a Grumman G164A, N4630, was substantially damaged during an aborted takeoff at the Smith Airport, Macksville, Kansas. The pilot was attempting to depart from the 2,600 foot runway with 250 gallons of pesticide on board the airplane. The commercial rated pilot was uninjured in the accident. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was operating under visual meteorological conditions, and no flight plan had been filed.
The pilot reported on NTSB Form 6120.1/2 that the airport's runway was rough, and during the takeoff roll the airplane became airborne with insufficient airspeed for flight. The pilot reported that the takeoff was aborted. The pilot reported that after the aborted takeoff the airplane went off the side of the runway, hit a dirt mound at the end of the runway, and came to rest inverted. The pilot reported that there were no airplane or engine malfunctions.
A inspection of the airplane following the accident revealed no abnormalities. The airplane's upper wing center section, vertical fin and rudder sustained crush damage in the accident. The propeller was bent.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI96LA265