On May 7, 1988, a Grumman G-164A (registration N8518H) was involved in an aviation accident near Vona, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff in shifting wind conditions, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with the ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported encountering a tailwind at 50 feet AGL after takeoff, causing the aircraft to settle and collide with the ground. The soft surface caused the nose to collapse upon impact.
What happened
The pilot reported that conditions were calm when he boarded the aircraft prior to departure. Shortly after liftoff, as the aircraft climbed to approximately 50 feet above ground level, it encountered an unexpected tailwind. This sudden shift in wind conditions caused the aircraft to lose lift and settle back toward the runway surface. The aircraft then collided with the ground. Because the terrain was soft, the impact caused the nose gear to collapse, resulting in a nosedown attitude. Upon exiting the aircraft, the pilot observed that the wind was blowing at approximately 15 knots from a direction providing a tailwind for the takeoff path.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's account of the wind conditions and the physical damage sustained by the aircraft. No mechanical failures were identified as contributing factors to the accident.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff in shifting wind conditions, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with the ground.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 7 May 1988 Grumman G-164A accident near Vona, CO?
A pilot reported encountering a tailwind at 50 feet AGL after takeoff, causing the aircraft to settle and collide with the ground. The soft surface caused the nose to collapse upon impact.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 May 1988 involved a Grumman G-164A, registration N8518H, at Vona, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff in shifting wind conditions, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with the ground.
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…