On 4 May 2011, a GRUMMAN G-164 operated by Jones Aviation Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Princeton, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot taking off with a 1,800-pound load of fertilizer from a dirt strip into a 15-mph headwind climbed to 100-150 feet AGL, then began a downwind turn. The airplane descended, and the pilot could not maintain altitude or release the load before colliding with terrain.
Flight Details
The pilot reported taking off from a dirt strip with a 1,800-pound load of fertilizer. The takeoff was performed into a headwind of 15 mph.
Accident Sequence
After takeoff, the pilot climbed the airplane to an altitude of approximately 100 to 150 feet above ground level (AGL) and then initiated a downwind turn. As the airplane turned downwind, it began to descend. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude. He stated that there was insufficient altitude to release all of the load before the airplane collided with the terrain.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that the airplane and engine experienced no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.