On May 23, 1995, a Grumman G-164A (registration N48538) was involved in an aviation accident near Ville Platte, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to make an offset approach due to a servicing truck blocking the runway, which resulted in the aircraft striking a levee. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft struck a levee and nosed over while attempting an offset approach to a 1,400-foot grass airstrip due to a parked servicing truck blocking the runway.
What happened
The pilot was conducting an approach to a 1,400-foot grass airstrip when the aircraft's lower right wing struck a levee located near the runway threshold. The impact pulled the aircraft down and to the right, causing it to subsequently nose over into a bordering ditch.
The incident was precipitated by a servicing truck parked on the approach end of the strip. This obstruction prevented the pilot from making a straight-in approach, forcing them to execute an offset approach instead.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to make an offset approach due to a servicing truck blocking the runway, which resulted in the aircraft striking a levee.
What happened in the 23 May 1995 Grumman G-164A accident near Ville Platte, LA?
An aircraft struck a levee and nosed over while attempting an offset approach to a 1,400-foot grass airstrip due to a parked servicing truck blocking the runway.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 May 1995 involved a Grumman G-164A, registration N48538, at Ville Platte, LA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to make an offset approach due to a servicing truck blocking the runway, which resulted in the aircraft striking a levee.
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