1999-03-18: Grumman G-164A (N8742H) — Gillett, AR
On March 18, 1999, a Grumman G-164A (registration N8742H) was involved in an aviation accident near Gillett, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during the downwind departure. Factors were the tailwind and the wet soft grass airstrip. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during the downwind departure. Factors were the tailwind and the wet soft grass airstrip.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The agricultural aircraft impacted the terrain during the downwind takeoff/initial climb to the south from the wet and soft grass airstrip (2,600 feet). The operator reported the winds were from the north at 15 knots. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported on the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2).