Accident Description
The owner of the Grumman G-164B (registration N6740Q) had completed an aerial application flight about 30 minutes before the accident. The pilot of the accident flight was on his first flight in N6740Q, though he had accumulated a reported 4,000 hours in G-164 airplanes. He assisted in loading the hopper and refueling the airplane.
Circumstances
The airplane's gross weight at takeoff was estimated at 5,500 pounds. The outside air temperature was approximately 87°F, and the wind was estimated from 090° at 4 to 5 knots. The pilot departed to the west with a tailwind, reporting use of full power for takeoff. The airplane became airborne but remained in ground effect and subsequently impacted a fence row and trees approximately 6 feet in height.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident teardown of the engine revealed that six cylinders were damaged beyond repair, the crankshaft was broken, and the main case was damaged beyond repair.
Pilot Background
The pilot had recently been flying much larger airplanes until the time of the accident. The investigation could not determine when he last flew a 450-horsepower Ag Cat. Attempts to locate the pilot for an interview were unsuccessful.