On July 23, 1984, a Grumman-schweizer G-164A (registration N5307) operated by Reggie S. Hopwood was involved in an aviation accident near Neelyville, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain control during a 180-degree turn after takeoff, resulting in an unexpected downward pitch of the right wing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempted a 180-degree turn to return to the departure airport shortly after takeoff. During the maneuver, the right wing pitched down unexpectedly, and the pilot was unable to recover control of the aircraft.
What happened
The pilot initiated a 180-degree turn to the right approximately two miles from the destination airport, intending to return to the takeoff strip. The maneuver began shortly after departure. As the aircraft reached approximately halfway through the turn, maintaining a bank angle of 45 degrees, the right wing pitched downward abruptly. The pilot attempted to correct the attitude by lowering the nose and applying left aileron and rudder inputs, but was unable to regain control of the aircraft.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain control during a 180-degree turn after takeoff, resulting in an unexpected downward pitch of the right wing.
What happened in the 23 Jul 1984 Grumman-schweizer G-164A accident near Neelyville, MO?
A pilot attempted a 180-degree turn to return to the departure airport shortly after takeoff. During the maneuver, the right wing pitched down unexpectedly, and the pilot was unable to recover control of the aircraft.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Jul 1984 involved a Grumman-schweizer G-164A, registration N5307, operated by Reggie S. Hopwood, at Neelyville, MO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inability to maintain control during a 180-degree turn after takeoff, resulting in an unexpected downward pitch of the right wing.
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