On October 9, 1999, a Grumman G164 (registration N7856) was involved in an aviation accident near Burkittsville, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The vehicle drivers inadequate lookout. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During the twelfth takeoff from a dirt road, an airplane's main landing gear collided with a truck's front bumper. The pilot attempted evasive action, but the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Incident Details
The pilot was conducting operations from a dirt road used for takeoffs and landings. According to the pilot, he had an understanding with the property owner that all occupants had been notified of the airplane's activities and that the area would be kept clear. During the twelfth takeoff, as the tail of the airplane lifted off the ground, the pilot noticed a truck driving towards him approximately 50 feet ahead. The pilot performed an evasive maneuver, but the main landing gear impacted the front bumper of the truck. The airplane then nosed over the truck and came to rest inverted.
Pilot Account
The pilot recalled noticing a roadblock on the road used for takeoffs and landings prior to the incident. He stated that there was an agreement with the property owner regarding notification of occupants.
Property Owner Account
The property owner reported that the driver of the truck resided on the premises and had been made aware that airplane activities were taking place on the farm.