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Casualties unknown

Left Main Landing Gear Failure After Touchdown in Grain Field (N6754Q)

Holden, UT, US

On July 8, 1989, a Grumman-schweizer G-164B (registration N6754Q) operated by Spanish Fork Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Holden, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF THE EFFECT OF HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE ON A HEAVILY LOADED AIRCRAFT. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

The pilot reported the aircraft began settling while over a grain field approaching a potato field for spraying. He dumped the fertilizer and landed, but the left main landing gear broke off about 100 feet after touchdown, damaging the wing. Density altitude was 7,500 feet.

Accident Narrative

During an agricultural spraying operation, the pilot was approaching a potato field to apply fertilizer. While flying over an adjacent grain field, the aircraft began to settle. The pilot decided to dump the load of fertilizer to reduce weight, but by that time the wheels were already in the grain. He reduced engine power and executed a landing.

Pilot's Actions

Approximately 100 feet after touchdown, the left main landing gear broke off. The aircraft then settled onto the left wing, which sustained damage. The pilot stated that the density altitude at the time of the event was 7,500 feet.

Aircraft Damage

The left main landing gear was separated from the aircraft, and the left wing was damaged as a result of the aircraft settling onto it. No other damage was reported in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Jul 1989 Grumman-schweizer G-164B accident near Holden, UT?

The pilot reported the aircraft began settling while over a grain field approaching a potato field for spraying. He dumped the fertilizer and landed, but the left main landing gear broke off about 100 feet after touchdown, damaging the wing. Density altitude was 7,500 feet.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Jul 1989 involved a Grumman-schweizer G-164B, registration N6754Q, operated by Spanish Fork Flying Service, at Holden, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF THE EFFECT OF HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE ON A HEAVILY LOADED AIRCRAFT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28803. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.