No fatalities

25 Mar 2008: Grumman G-164A — Cropland Air Service, Inc. — Dayton, WA

Dayton, WA, United States

On 25 Mar 2008, a Grumman G-164A operated by Cropland Air Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Dayton, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and failure to maintain an adequate airspeed. A contributing factor was the sudden windshift. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot returning from fertilizer application experienced a wind shift to a strong quartering tailwind during flare, causing a bounced landing and nose-over. The right wing and vertical stabilizer were damaged.

Summary

A pilot was returning to the operations base after completing an aerial fertilizer application. The landing approach was to the north, with the pilot noting a wind from the west. During the flare, the wind shifted to a strong quartering tailwind. The airplane touched down on the runway, bounced, and subsequently nosed over. The right wing sustained damage and the vertical stabilizer was crushed during the accident sequence. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the aircraft.

Accident Sequence

According to the pilot's account, the landing was being conducted to the north. The wind was initially from the west. As the pilot flared the airplane to land, the wind direction changed, resulting in a strong quartering tailwind condition. The airplane touched down on the runway, then bounced. Following the bounce, the airplane nosed over.

Damage

The right wing of the aircraft sustained damage during the accident. Additionally, the vertical stabilizer was crushed. No other damage was reported or described in the source.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to or during the accident. No other statements from the pilot were provided.

Contributing factors

Causes

Crosswind correction — Not attained/maintainedAirspeed — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Sudden wind shiftTailwind