Summary
On May 04, 2011, a Grumman G-164 (N716Y) was involved in an incident near Princeton, CA. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain.
The pilot stated that he took off into a 15-mph head wind from a dirt strip with a 1,800 pound load of fertilizer. He climbed the airplane to around 100 to 150 feet above ground level (agl) and started the downwind turn. The airplane began to descend as he turned downwind and he could not maintain altitude. He had insufficient altitude to release all the load before the airplane collided with the terrain. The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR11CA198. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N716Y.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot stated that he took off into a 15-mph head wind from a dirt strip with a 1,800 pound load of fertilizer. He climbed the airplane to around 100 to 150 feet above ground level (agl) and started the downwind turn. The airplane began to descend as he turned downwind and he could not maintain altitude. He had insufficient altitude to release all the load before the airplane collided with the terrain. The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR11CA198