On May 26, 1993, a Grumman G-164B (registration N48632) operated by Fred Donovan was involved in an aviation accident near Madera, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in the airplane striking a telephone pole. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a takeoff roll on a private dirt airstrip, the pilot lost directional control, causing the left wing to strike a telephone pole and destroy the aircraft in a post-impact fire.
What happened
The pilot was initiating an aerial application flight from a privately owned dirt airstrip. During the takeoff roll, the airplane departed the runway centerline, turning to the left. This deviation resulted in the left wing striking a telephone pole located adjacent to the left side of the strip. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft, which was subsequently destroyed by a post-impact fire.
Findings
A left quartering tailwind was present at the time of the accident. The loss of directional control during the critical takeoff phase contributed directly to the collision with the fixed object.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in the airplane striking a telephone pole.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 26 May 1993 Grumman G-164B accident near Madera, CA?
During a takeoff roll on a private dirt airstrip, the pilot lost directional control, causing the left wing to strike a telephone pole and destroy the aircraft in a post-impact fire.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 May 1993 involved a Grumman G-164B, registration N48632, operated by Fred Donovan, at Madera, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in the airplane striking a telephone pole.
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