Casualties unknown

1987-05-18: Grumman G-164B (N3628Z) — Thomas J. Adams — Beaufort, NC

Beaufort, NC, US

On May 18, 1987, a Grumman G-164B (registration N3628Z) operated by Thomas J. Adams was involved in an aviation accident near Beaufort, NC. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

The pilot reported two wind shear events during takeoff on a heading of 270 degrees; after the second, the right wing struck the ground and the aircraft cartwheeled.

Incident Details

The pilot of an agricultural aircraft had just finished loading the hopper with Dylox chemical. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft became airborne on a heading of 270 degrees. According to the pilot, shortly after lifting off, the aircraft encountered wind shear, which caused the aircraft to roll to the right. The pilot responded by leveling the wings. Immediately after, a second, more violent wind shear was encountered. This second event again rolled the aircraft to the right. The right wing then made contact with the ground, and the aircraft cartwheeled.

Pilot Statement

The pilot provided a firsthand account of the events. He described the wind shear as occurring in two distinct instances, with the second being more severe than the first. The pilot's corrective action after the first roll was to level the wings, but the subsequent wind shear overpowered his control, leading to the wing striking the ground and the subsequent cartwheel.

Conclusion

The takeoff was conducted on a heading of 270 degrees. The aircraft had been loaded with Dylox chemical prior to departure. The pilot reported two wind shear events. The final event resulted in the right wing contacting the ground, followed by a cartwheel.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30850. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.