On August 11, 2001, a Grumman G-164B (registration N48624) was involved in an aviation accident near Hazelton, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's ostentatious display when he performed a low level manuever and stalled the airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane was destroyed by impact forces and fire after a loss of control during a steep climb over a turf runway. Witnesses reported a stall and near-vertical descent. No pre-existing anomalies were found.
Accident Details
The airplane impacted terrain after a loss of control following a low-level maneuver, resulting in destruction by impact forces and fire. The accident occurred on runway 35, a turf strip measuring 2,500 feet by 125 feet.
Witness Accounts
Multiple witnesses observed the airplane fly over runway 35 from south to north. One witness stated, "I thought he was going to land but flew by appearing to be at full power. As he neared the north end of the runway he pulled up sharply to avoid power line on north end of runway. He started his turn to the left — I'm estimating 150 to 200 feet. The plane seem to stall + fell almost straight down. Instant explosion on impact." The airplane was observed pulling into a steep vertical climb, then nosing over and impacting the terrain in a steep nose-down attitude.
Aircraft Inspection
Post-accident inspection of the airframe and engine revealed no pre-existing anomalies.