On July 22, 2001, a Grumman-schweizer G-164A (registration N5398) was involved in an aviation accident near Dodge Center, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot not maintaining directional control on the ground during the takeoff roll. Factors relating to this accident were the total failure of the propeller governor and the corn crop. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff, the airplane did not lift off normally and veered left, entering corn. The left wing struck corn, the aircraft turned sideways, and the right landing gear collapsed, followed by a fire. Examination found a failed propeller governor.
Accident Narrative
The pilot reported that during the takeoff to the south, the airplane did not lift off as it normally would. Instead, the aircraft moved to the left side of the runway. The pilot stated, "I got the left wing in the corn. The airplane went sideways until the right gear collapsed. Then it started on fire." This account describes the sequence of events leading to the accident. The airplane veered left, departing the runway and entering a cornfield. The left wing contacted corn plants, causing the airplane to rotate sideways. The right landing gear collapsed under the resulting loads, and a fire started soon after.
Examination Findings
Following the incident, a thorough examination of the airplane was conducted. The engine and its components were inspected, revealing that the propeller governor had failed. No anomalies were found in the examination of the remaining airplane systems. The investigation focused on the mechanical aspects of the aircraft based on the pilot's report. The propeller governor failure was noted as a significant finding, while other systems were determined to be free of defects.