N6771K

On May 8, 1999, at 1645 central daylight time, a Grumman-Schweizer G164-B, agricultural aircraft, N6771K, impacted a rice field during the takeoff initial climb near Garwood, Texas. The airplane, owned and operated by Aero Ag Services, Garwood, Texas, was operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 137. The airplane was destroyed by a post-impact fire. The commercial pilot, sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight and a flight plan was not filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

During interviews, conducted by the NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC), and on the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot reported that the airplane's hopper was loaded with 1,400 pounds of corn seed. The wind had been light and variable (2 to 5 knots) generally from the south, with the temperature in the low 90's. The departure was made on the west runway (3,000 feet long; 2,500 feet usable). As the pilot turned the airplane (airspeed 30-40 knots) to the south, he noticed there was no wind. The airplane "cleared a 25 foot power line, stalled, and fell into a rice field." Within 4 or 5 minutes, after the pilot exited, the airplane was engulfed in flames.

The National Weather Service (NWS) surface observation for Sugarland (39 miles northeast of Garwood) reported the winds from 090 degrees at 4 knots, temperature 91 degrees Fahrenheit, and the altimeter 29.89 inches. The NWS surface observation for Victoria (45 miles southwest of Garwood) reported the winds from 150 degrees at 10 knots, temperature 88 degrees Fahrenheit, and the altimeter 29.88 inches. The IIC calculated the density altitude at 2,546 feet.