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Casualties unknown

Tail wheel failure causes nose-over during takeoff (N9778)

Lacassine, LA, US

On July 7, 1987, a Grumman G-164A (registration N9778) was involved in an aviation accident near Lacassine, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the tail wheel during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent collision with terrain. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

A tail wheel broke during the takeoff roll, causing the aircraft to veer right into a tree and ditch before nosing over.

What happened

During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported that the aircraft's tail wheel failed structurally. This mechanical failure caused the aircraft to deviate sharply to the right off the runway centerline. As the aircraft veered, the right wing struck a small tree located near the departure end of the runway.

The impact with the tree caused the right main landing gear wheel to drop into a drainage ditch running parallel to the runway. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control of the aircraft following these impacts. The aircraft continued forward until it nosed over, coming to rest in an inverted attitude.

Probable cause

The failure of the tail wheel during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent collision with terrain.
Maintenance error

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Jul 1987 Grumman G-164A accident near Lacassine, LA?

A tail wheel broke during the takeoff roll, causing the aircraft to veer right into a tree and ditch before nosing over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Jul 1987 involved a Grumman G-164A, registration N9778, at Lacassine, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the tail wheel during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent collision with terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31501. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.