N8459K

Substantial
Minor

Grumman-Schweizer G-164BS/N: 701B

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
NTSB Number
DEN07CA112
Location
Joes, CO
Event ID
20070808X01136
Coordinates
39.116664, -102.099998
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

the pilot's improper takeoff planning and subsequent failure to maintain aircraft control during the takeoff. Contributing factors were the high density altitude and tailwind.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N8459K
Make
GRUMMAN-SCHWEIZER
Serial Number
701B
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Year Built
1982
Model / ICAO
G-164BG64T
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
WESTERN AG AIR INC
Address
8762 COUNTY ROAD 5
Status
Deregistered
City
JOES
State / Zip Code
CO 80822-9313
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the operator, prior to the aerial application flight, the airplane was refueled to a maximum of 114 gallons and the hopper was filled with 250 gallons (335 gallons maximum) of chemical. The pilot departed to the south on the 1/2 mile private dirt airstrip. During the initial takeoff climb, the airplane impacted corn stalks located at the end of the airstrip. Subsequently, the airplane cart-wheeled and came to rest in the field. The operator reported the temperature was approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the winds were at "few knots from the northeast." The commercial pilot, sole occupant on board, sustained minor injuries. Examination of the airplane revealed the wings were bent, one main landing gear was separated, and the fuselage was buckled. The calculated density altitude was 6,620 feet mean sea level (msl).

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DEN07CA112