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Casualties unknown

Agricultural Pilot Hard Lands After Power Loss During Climb (N48687)

Gwinner, ND, US

On June 16, 1991, a Schweizer G164 (registration N48687) operated by Hoistad Flying Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Gwinner, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADVERTENT CLOSING OF THE MIXTURE BY THE PILOT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT ARE INADEQUATE CONTROL SHAPE, OR SIZE, AND INATTENTIVENESS OF THE PILOT. 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

During an agricultural operation, a pilot reduced power and RPM at 250 feet AGL, then experienced a power loss and performed a hard landing in a field, resulting in a nose-over. The propeller and mixture controls are similar in shape and proximity.

Accident Overview

During an agricultural operation, the pilot was climbing out after takeoff. At an altitude of 250 feet above ground level, the pilot reduced power and RPM and initiated a turn. Shortly thereafter, the pilot noticed the RPM dropping and a complete loss of power. Unable to maintain flight, the pilot performed a hard landing in a farmer's field, which resulted in the aircraft nosing over.

Aircraft and Control Layout

The aircraft involved in the incident features a propeller control and a mixture control that are located in close proximity to each other. Additionally, both controls share the same shape and size, which may contribute to confusion between them.

Sequence of Events

  • The pilot was climbing after takeoff for an agricultural operation.
  • At 250 feet AGL, the pilot reduced power and RPM and began a turn.
  • The pilot then realized that RPM was dropping and there was no power.
  • A hard landing was made in a farmer's field, leading to a nose-over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jun 1991 Schweizer G164 accident near Gwinner, ND?

During an agricultural operation, a pilot reduced power and RPM at 250 feet AGL, then experienced a power loss and performed a hard landing in a field, resulting in a nose-over. The propeller and mixture controls are similar in shape and proximity.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jun 1991 involved a Schweizer G164, registration N48687, operated by Hoistad Flying Service, Inc., at Gwinner, ND.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

INADVERTENT CLOSING OF THE MIXTURE BY THE PILOT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT ARE INADEQUATE CONTROL SHAPE, OR SIZE, AND INATTENTIVENESS OF THE PILOT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17209. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.