N8459K

On July 04, 2007, a Grumman-schweizer G-164B (N8459K) was involved in an accident near Joes, CO. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: 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.

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.

This accident is documented in NTSB report DEN07CA112. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N8459K.