What happened
On April 22, 1997, at approximately 10:30 UTC, a Grumman G-164 B agricultural aircraft, registration CS-ASB, operated by AGROAR – Trabalhos Aéreos Lda., departed from a private uncertified dirt runway in Águas de Moura, Portugal. The aircraft was performing solid fertilizer spreading operations, carrying 650 kg of product and 120 liters of fuel.
The aircraft took off from approximately two-thirds of the runway length. During the initial climb, the aircraft began to veer to the right. The pilot noted "soft controls," a symptom of approaching a stall speed, and observed that the aircraft was failing to gain altitude. In an attempt to manage the situation, the pilot applied full power and activated the hopper's emergency door to jettison the load. During this maneuver, the pilot heard two distinct noises from the engine.
While focused on the internal cockpit procedures to release the load, the pilot failed to notice a medium-sized tree in the flight path. The aircraft struck the tree and crashed into a nearby rice field. The impact was violent enough to separate the engine from the fuselage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's takeoff performance, the environmental conditions, and the mechanical state of the engine. Investigators calculated that due to the dirt surface of the runway and the presence of a moderate tailwind (approximately 6 knots) and crosswind (approximately 12 knots), the aircraft required significantly more runway than was utilized. It was estimated that the aircraft needed roughly 460 meters for a safe takeoff, but it had only used about 330 meters before lifting off.
Mechanical examination of the engine revealed no failures that would have caused a loss of power. While some components, such as the propeller governor tie and certain engine parts, showed damage or wear, no mechanical malfunction was identified as a cause for the loss of climb capability.
Findings
- The pilot initiated takeoff before reaching the recommended safety speed of 73 knots.
- The aircraft was operating with a moderate tailwind, which increased the required takeoff distance.
- The pilot's attention was diverted to the interior of the cockpit while executing emergency load-release procedures, leading to a failure to maintain situational awareness regarding obstacles.
- The pilot experienced symptoms of an impending stall due to the low airspeed and unfavorable wind conditions.
- The pilot emerged from the wreckage uninjured.