On July 19, 1988, a Grumman G-164A (registration N6553) operated by Stephen R. Fraine was involved in an aviation accident near Knobel, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed and descent path during the final approach, resulting in a premature touchdown short of the private strip and subsequent nose-over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot undergoing pre-employment checkout touched down short of a private strip, causing the aircraft to nose over. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91 with no hazardous materials aboard.
What happened
The pilot was conducting a flight specifically to receive a check-out in the aircraft, fulfilling a pre-employment requirement for future duties. Witnesses observed the flight as appearing entirely normal during the initial phases of the trip. However, the situation changed when the aircraft arrived at its destination.
As the aircraft approached the private strip for landing, it was on short final approach. The pilot attempted to land but touched down short of the runway surface. This premature touchdown caused the aircraft to nose over upon impact with the ground.
The operation was conducted under 14 CFR 91 regulations. The aircraft was not carrying any chemicals or hazardous materials at the time of the incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed and descent path during the final approach, resulting in a premature touchdown short of the private strip and subsequent nose-over.
What happened in the 19 Jul 1988 Grumman G-164A accident near Knobel, AR?
A pilot undergoing pre-employment checkout touched down short of a private strip, causing the aircraft to nose over. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91 with no hazardous materials aboard.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Jul 1988 involved a Grumman G-164A, registration N6553, operated by Stephen R. Fraine, at Knobel, AR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed and descent path during the final approach, resulting in a premature touchdown short of the private strip and subsequent nose-over.
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