On July 25, 1984, a Grumman G-164 (registration N751Y) operated by Leland Cain was involved in an aviation accident near Wessington, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to observe an approaching roll cloud during loading, which resulted in heavy turbulence during takeoff and loss of altitude due to liquid load shift. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff for aerial application, the pilot encountered heavy turbulence from a roll cloud. The liquid load shifted, causing loss of altitude and resulting in a forced landing in a corn field.
What happened
The pilot reported that during the loading phase for an aerial application mission, he failed to observe an approaching roll cloud. Such clouds typically indicate localized turbulence and strong, gusting winds. During the takeoff roll, the pilot noted a shift in wind direction. At an altitude of approximately 100 feet, the aircraft encountered heavy turbulence. This turbulence caused the liquid load inside the aircraft to begin sloshing. As a result, the aircraft lost altitude and eventually settled into a nearby corn field. The pilot did not attempt to jettison the load during the incident.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's account of the weather conditions and the sequence of events leading to the landing. The pilot explicitly stated that he failed to note the approaching roll cloud, which is a known indicator of dangerous wind shifts and turbulence in aerial application environments.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to observe an approaching roll cloud during loading, which resulted in heavy turbulence during takeoff and loss of altitude due to liquid load shift.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 25 Jul 1984 Grumman G-164 accident near Wessington, SD?
During takeoff for aerial application, the pilot encountered heavy turbulence from a roll cloud. The liquid load shifted, causing loss of altitude and resulting in a forced landing in a corn field.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Jul 1984 involved a Grumman G-164, registration N751Y, operated by Leland Cain, at Wessington, SD.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to observe an approaching roll cloud during loading, which resulted in heavy turbulence during takeoff and loss of altitude due to liquid load shift.
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