2013 Grumman G-164A Aerial Application Accident Near Atlantic, Iowa (N7843)

Accident Overview and Immediate Circumstances On September 6, 2013, at approximately 1525 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164A, registration N7843, collided with trees and a bean field located 2-1/2 miles west of Atlantic, Iowa. The pilot, who was the only person on board, sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact forces and a subsequent post-impact fire. The flight was operated by Shenandoah Flight Service, Inc., of Atlantic, Iowa, under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 for aerial application. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated from Atlantic, Iowa, at approximately 1510. ## Pilot Account and FAA Inspector Observations The pilot reported that he experienced no difficulty taking off into a strong headwind. However, upon reaching 500 feet and turning north toward the field to be sprayed, the aircraft began to slowly lose altitude. Believing he would be unable to clear an approaching tree line, he opened the leveler, causing the product to slowly dump. As he pulled up to avoid the trees, the aircraft stalled, struck the trees, and impacted the bean field. An FAA inspector who responded to the scene stated that the pilot was flying south and spraying the field. The inspector noted that the pilot pulled up but did not clear the trees, resulting in a stall. The aircraft broke several tree limbs and crashed in a field to the south. The inspector also reported that the ambient air temperature was in excess of 90 degrees Fahrenheit. ## Aircraft Configuration and Weight The Grumman G-164A had several modifications incorporated to increase its gross weight to 6,000 pounds, including the addition of 20 inches to each wing tip, which the FAA inspector confirmed was an authorized modification. The pilot stated that prior to takeoff, the aircraft was fueled to capacity with 400 gallons (2,400 pounds) of fuel, and the hopper was filled with 1,200 pounds of rye, radish, and turnip seed. The pilot calculated that the aircraft weighed 5,134 pounds at takeoff, which was 866 pounds below the maximum gross takeoff weight. ## Pilot History NTSB documents indicated that the pilot was involved in another aircraft accident four months earlier. On May 7, 2013, while spraying a wheat field near Lyons, Kansas, a Cessna A188B, registration N731JF, lost engine power. The right wing struck the ground and was almost completely severed from the fuselage.