22 Mar 2008: Grumman-Schweizer G-164B — TLC Flying, Inc.

22 Mar 2008: Grumman-Schweizer G-164B — TLC Flying, Inc.

No fatalities • Colfax, WA, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, failure to attain and maintain an adequate airspeed that resulted in a stall mush, and, the subsequent failure to maintain terrain and obstacle clearance during the takeoff initial climb. Contributing factors were the tailwind weather condition, and the one-way direction requirements of the airstrip.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot said that he was departing for an aerial application flight on runway 25 with a 12- to 15-knot tailwind. He had 1,400 pounds of dry fertilizer in the hopper. Takeoff from this airport must be in one direction due to climbing terrain and runway slope. He started a right turn down a valley when he felt a loss of lift. He started to dump his applicant, but the weight transfer was too slow. The airplane descended into power lines and impacted the ground. It continued through a fence and impacted a light pole.

Contributing factors

  • factor Airport facilities/design
  • factor Tailwind
  • cause Crosswind correction
  • cause Airspeed — Not attained/maintained
  • factor Wire
  • factor Pole
  • cause Altitude — Not attained/maintained

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 090/16kt, vis 10sm

Related events

Same aircraft

  • 7 Aug 2008 — Grumman-Schweizer G-164B (Air Advantage, Inc.)
  • 18 Jun 2008 — Grumman-Schweizer G-164B (Kin-Co Ag Aviation, Inc.)
  • 13 Jun 2008 — Grumman-Schweizer G-164B (Carol's Flying Service, Inc.)

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