On July 24, 1986, a Schweizer G164A (registration N8379) operated by Cameron Wischer was involved in an aviation accident near Grandin, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff due to soft runway conditions and contact with vegetation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An agricultural aircraft experienced a loss of directional control during takeoff from a sod strip with soft center conditions, resulting in a cartwheel incident.
What happened
The pilot was attempting to initiate a takeoff from a sod runway measuring 2600 feet by 50 feet. The aircraft was loaded with a full fuel capacity of 36 gallons and an additional 160 gallons of M22 fungicide. Conditions on the airfield were compromised by recent rains, which left the center portion of the runway notably soft.
As the pilot began the takeoff roll along the right side of the runway, the right wing and the attached spray boom made contact with tall grain stalks growing along the edge of the strip. This interaction caused the aircraft to spin around and slide sideways. The left wing tip subsequently dug into the ground, leading the aircraft to cartwheel.
The investigation
The physical evidence indicated that the soft surface conditions contributed to the loss of control. The contact with vegetation on the right side initiated the uncommanded rotation and lateral movement.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff due to soft runway conditions and contact with vegetation.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 24 Jul 1986 Schweizer G164A accident near Grandin, ND?
An agricultural aircraft experienced a loss of directional control during takeoff from a sod strip with soft center conditions, resulting in a cartwheel incident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Jul 1986 involved a Schweizer G164A, registration N8379, operated by Cameron Wischer, at Grandin, ND.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff due to soft runway conditions and contact with vegetation.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…