On July 7, 2005, a Schweizer G-164B (registration N6631Q) operated by Central Valley Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Buxton, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of engine power on takeoff due to undetermined reasons. A factor was the ditch that the airplane contacted during the forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aerial application airplane experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from a private airstrip, leading to a forced landing on a road and subsequent gear collapse.
Accident Overview
The airplane collided with terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The accident occurred during takeoff from a private airstrip while the pilot was initiating an aerial application flight.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that he was conducting the flight with 265 gallons of fungicide on board. He performed an engine run-up prior to departure, which he described as normal. Shortly after lifting off, the engine began to lose power. The pilot determined that he did not have enough remaining runway to land back on it. He maneuvered the airplane to clear a ditch and a north/south road at the end of the runway, then attempted to land on an east/west road ahead. Upon contacting the south side of the road, the left landing gear collapsed. The airplane slid across the road and came to rest in a ditch on the north side.
Post-Accident Inspection
A post-accident inspection of the airplane revealed that the magnetos fired when tested, and continuity was established throughout the engine.