What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-07-12 involved a Grumman G-164B, registration N8005C, operated by Mike Carr, at Paul, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to attain adequate airspeed during takeoff and initial climb, resulting in stall/mush and inability of the aircraft to sustain level flight. Factors included high density altitude, a tailwind, an uphill takeoff surface, and crops in the area where the aircraft settled back to earth.

Tailwind Encounter During Aerial Application Takeoff Leads to Flip in Wheat Field (N8005C)

On July 12, 1999, a Grumman G-164B (registration N8005C) operated by Mike Carr was involved in an aviation accident near Paul, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain adequate airspeed during takeoff and initial climb, resulting in stall/mush and inability of the aircraft to sustain level flight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

An aerial application pilot taking off with 1,700 pounds of fertilizer encountered a tailwind at low altitude, causing the aircraft to settle into a wheat field and flip over. No mechanical malfunction was reported.

Flight Details

A pilot was conducting an aerial application flight, carrying 1,700 pounds of fertilizer and approximately three-quarters of a fuel load. The fertilizer weight was within the aircraft's maximum demonstrated operating load. The airstrip used for takeoff featured an uphill slope at its end.

Accident Sequence

According to the pilot, after becoming airborne and reaching an altitude of 5 to 10 feet above ground level, a tailwind appeared. The pilot was subsequently unable to maintain flight. The aircraft descended into a wheat field, coming to rest flipped over roughly 500 feet beyond the end of the airstrip. The pilot stated that no mechanical malfunction or failure played a role in the accident.

Environmental Conditions

The accident site was at an elevation of 4,300 feet above sea level. The temperature at takeoff was 92 degrees Fahrenheit. Given these conditions, the density altitude was calculated to be 7,500 feet.

1999-07-12: Grumman G-164B (N8005C) — Mike Carr — Paul, ID

Flight Details

Accident Sequence

Environmental Conditions

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