Casualties unknown

1992-06-20: Schweizer G-164B (N8157K) — Fehmel Planes, Inc. — Bay City, TX

Bay City, TX, US

On June 20, 1992, a Schweizer G-164B (registration N8157K) operated by Fehmel Planes, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Bay City, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INABILITY TO INITIATE A CLIMB DUE TO EXCEEDING THE TAKEOFF CAPABILITY OF THE AIRPLANE. A FACTOR WAS THE HIGH GRASS ON THE AIRSTRIP. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During an attempted departure with a load of fertilizer, the airplane lifted off, settled back down, and its wheels became entangled in tall grass near the end of the strip, leading to impact with a fence and a rollover.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that while attempting to depart an airstrip with a load of fertilizer, the airplane lifted off briefly before settling back down to the ground. As the aircraft continued along the strip, its wheels became entangled in tall grass near the departure end. The airplane subsequently impacted a fence at the end of the runway and flipped over.

Pilot's Statement

According to the pilot, there was no evidence of pre-impact failure or malfunction. The pilot stated that after liftoff, the airplane failed to maintain altitude and descended back to the ground. The entanglement with tall grass and the subsequent collision with the fence resulted in the aircraft overturning.

Findings

The investigation documented that the sequence of events began with the aircraft's inability to sustain flight after lifting off, ultimately leading to the ground contact and entanglement in grass. The fence impact caused the aircraft to flip over. No information about the aircraft type, registration, or other details was provided in the initial report.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14852. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.