N744Y

On May 23, 1998, at 1040 mountain daylight time, a Grumman G-164, N744Y, was substantially damaged during impact with terrain while maneuvering near Huntington, Utah. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant in the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was being operated by the owner under Title 14 CFR Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight which originated from Huntington Municipal Airport, Huntington, Utah, approximately 10 minutes before the accident. No flight plan had been filed.

According to the pilot, he loaded the aircraft with 200 lbs. of Puridan and 60 gals. of fuel prior to departure. He departed Huntington airport and arrived at the assigned field at 1038. His first pass was successful "because [he] had plenty of airspeed," but according to the pilot, he did not maintain as fast an airspeed on his second pass. As he was rolling out from his second pass, he pulled up over a 50 foot bluff and the aircraft "mushed in or sank." The pilot stated there were ridges on both sides, preventing him from turning.

In his accident report, the pilot stated the plane was behind its power curve by that time and he just had to ride it out. He attempted to fly up the ridge, but the aircraft stalled, impacting the ridge and slid approximately 100 feet before coming to a complete stop.

Postaccident examination of the aircraft revealed that the left main landing gear was separated from the aircraft, all four wings were bent, both propeller blades were destroyed, and the engine cowling was bent.