On July 16, 1993, a Grumman G164B (registration N2008) operated by Thompson Aerial Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Wyndmere, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot neglected to take into consideration the condition of the landing strip due to recent rainfall, which led to the main landing gear becoming mired in mud and the airplane nosing over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After an aerial application flight, a pilot landed on a grass strip instead of an available asphalt runway. The main landing gear became stuck in mud, causing the airplane to nose over.
Incident Details
A pilot returning from an aerial application flight attempted to land on a grass strip. During the landing, the airplane's main landing gear became mired in mud, resulting in the airplane nosing over. The pilot had the option of landing on an asphalt runway but chose the grass strip.
Pilot's Statement
According to the pilot, he neglected to take into consideration the condition of the landing strip due to the amount of rain that had fallen in the area over the past few days. He further stated that he decided to land on the grass strip in an effort to save the airplane's tires, despite the availability of an asphalt runway.
Probable cause
The pilot neglected to take into consideration the condition of the landing strip due to recent rainfall, which led to the main landing gear becoming mired in mud and the airplane nosing over.