On July 15, 1996, a Grumman G-164A (registration N48442) was involved in an aviation accident near New Plymouth, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: a cracked cylinder head, which resulted in partial loss of engine power during takeoff. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot allowed the gross weight of the airplane to be exceeded, and tall wheat (crop) in the emergency landing area. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot loaded 1,500 pounds of dry fertilizer; during takeoff, airspeed was too low. After dumping the load, the aircraft lifted off but settled nose-high into a wheat field, coming to rest inverted. Post-accident inspection revealed a cracked cylinder head and weight 540 pounds over limit.
Accident Sequence
The pilot of an agricultural aircraft had just loaded 1,500 pounds of dry fertilizer for an aerial application run. During the takeoff ground roll, as the aircraft approached the departure end of the runway, the pilot observed that the airspeed remained too low for liftoff. In response, the pilot opted to dump the load and pulled up in an attempt to fly in ground effect. The airplane lifted off briefly but then settled in a nose-high attitude into a field of tall wheat. The airplane decelerated and came to rest inverted.
Post-Accident Findings
After the airplane was removed from the field, the engine was inspected. During this inspection, a crack was found on the head of the number eight cylinder, located between the intake and exhaust valves. Additionally, a weight and balance calculation showed that the airplane was approximately 540 pounds over its maximum certified gross weight at the time of the accident.
What happened in the 15 Jul 1996 Grumman G-164A accident near New Plymouth, ID?
A pilot loaded 1,500 pounds of dry fertilizer; during takeoff, airspeed was too low. After dumping the load, the aircraft lifted off but settled nose-high into a wheat field, coming to rest inverted. Post-accident inspection revealed a cracked cylinder head and weight 540 pounds over limit.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Jul 1996 involved a Grumman G-164A, registration N48442, at New Plymouth, ID.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
a cracked cylinder head, which resulted in partial loss of engine power during takeoff. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot allowed the gross weight of the airplane to be exceeded, and tall wheat (crop) in the emergency landing area.
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