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Casualties unknown

Aerial Application Pilot Aborts Takeoff After Slow Acceleration, Aircraft Noses Over (N31GW)

Scotia, NE, US

On April 30, 1992, a Schweizer G-164B (registration N31GW) operated by Wells Air Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Scotia, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT CONTROL WHICH RESULTED IN A NOSE OVER DURING THE PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. RELATED FACTORS ARE THE POWER LINES (OBSTRUCTIONS) AND INADEQUATE ALTITUDE. 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

An agricultural aircraft lifted off slowly, failed to accelerate in ground effect, and the pilot aborted takeoff to avoid power lines. The airplane nosed over after touchdown.

Accident Overview

A pilot conducting an aerial application flight reported that, during takeoff with a load of chemicals, the airplane lifted off the runway but maintained a slow speed. The pilot stated, "I remained close to the ground to stay in ground effect, but noticed no acceleration."

Sequence of Events

Determining that the airplane would not clear power lines located off the departure end of the runway, the pilot aborted the takeoff. The airplane nosed over just after it touched down and skidded approximately 20 feet before coming to a stop.

Aftermath

The aircraft came to rest after the skid. No further details about damage or injuries are available from the investigation source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Apr 1992 Schweizer G-164B accident near Scotia, NE?

An agricultural aircraft lifted off slowly, failed to accelerate in ground effect, and the pilot aborted takeoff to avoid power lines. The airplane nosed over after touchdown.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Apr 1992 involved a Schweizer G-164B, registration N31GW, operated by Wells Air Service, Inc., at Scotia, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT CONTROL WHICH RESULTED IN A NOSE OVER DURING THE PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. RELATED FACTORS ARE THE POWER LINES (OBSTRUCTIONS) AND INADEQUATE ALTITUDE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14386. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.