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Sprayboom Contact with Wheat Leads to Loss of Control on Takeoff (N8732H)

Oil Trough, AR, US

On June 5, 1992, a Grumman G-164A (registration N8732H) operated by H.t. Hankins Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Oil Trough, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR TAKEOFF. 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

A pilot attempting takeoff from the east side of a wet dirt airstrip lost control when the sprayboom contacted three-foot-high wheat, causing the airplane to nosed over. The pilot later stated the takeoff should not have been attempted under those conditions.

Accident Details

The pilot was engaged in an agricultural operation and attempted to take off from the east side of a wet dirt airstrip. The west side of the airstrip was unsuitable for the intended operation. During the takeoff ground roll, the sprayboom on the airplane contacted three-foot-high wheat growing adjacent to the airstrip. This contact resulted in a loss of control, and the airplane was pulled into the wheat field and nosed over.

Pilot Statement

Following the accident, the pilot stated that he should not have attempted the takeoff with the existing conditions. This statement acknowledges the unfavorable circumstances that were present at the time of the attempted departure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jun 1992 Grumman G-164A accident near Oil Trough, AR?

A pilot attempting takeoff from the east side of a wet dirt airstrip lost control when the sprayboom contacted three-foot-high wheat, causing the airplane to nosed over. The pilot later stated the takeoff should not have been attempted under those conditions.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jun 1992 involved a Grumman G-164A, registration N8732H, operated by H.t. Hankins Flying Service, at Oil Trough, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR TAKEOFF.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14865. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.