On May 13, 1990, a Schweizer G-164B (registration N6733Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Basile, LA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to account for a tailwind shift during takeoff, compounded by the absence of wind measuring equipment at the airstrip. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An agricultural aircraft failed to clear a fence during takeoff, striking wires and trees before stopping past the runway end due to an unreported tailwind shift.
What happened
The pilot reported that during the eighth load of the day, the aircraft was unable to clear the top wire of a fence while taking off. The airplane struck the wire and small trees before coming to rest approximately 100 yards past the end of the runway. After evacuating the aircraft, the pilot observed that the wind had shifted to a tailwind. There was no windssock or wind measuring equipment at the airstrip.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the takeoff performance and environmental conditions. The pilot's statement indicated that the lack of wind information contributed to the decision-making process during the critical phase of flight.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to account for a tailwind shift during takeoff, compounded by the absence of wind measuring equipment at the airstrip.
What happened in the 13 May 1990 Schweizer G-164B accident near Basile, LA?
An agricultural aircraft failed to clear a fence during takeoff, striking wires and trees before stopping past the runway end due to an unreported tailwind shift.
Were there any fatalities in the 13 May 1990 Schweizer G-164B accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 May 1990 involved a Schweizer G-164B, registration N6733Q, at Basile, LA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to account for a tailwind shift during takeoff, compounded by the absence of wind measuring equipment at the airstrip.
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