Accident Overview
On June 19, 2014, at approximately 1200 central daylight time, a Gulfstream Schweizer G-164C (Grumman Ag-Cat) airplane, registration N7501Z, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from a private airstrip near Beech Grove, Arkansas. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by HDS Inc. under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight was not operated on a flight plan.
Flight Details
The pilot reported that the takeoff was to the north from a 2,500-foot long asphalt runway with 2,500 lbs. of fertilizer onboard. The wind was from the south at about 220 degrees at 10 to 15 miles per hour. The takeoff was normal, but shortly after liftoff, the airplane began to settle back toward the ground. The pilot initiated a dump of the fertilizer load but was unable to recover. The airplane subsequently settled onto the ground and encountered a rice levee, resulting in substantial damage to the wings.
Aircraft Information
The accident airplane was powered by a 600-shaft horsepower Garrett model TPE-331-10 turboprop engine. The maximum gross weight for the airplane was 8,625 lbs. The pilot reported that the airplane weight at the time of the accident takeoff was 7,125 lbs. He stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions associated with the airplane prior to the accident.
Weather and Environmental Conditions
Weather conditions recorded at the Jonesboro Municipal Airport (JBR), located about 20 miles south of the accident site, at 1153 included: wind from 230 degrees at 8 knots; scattered clouds at 3,200 feet and 3,900 feet above ground level; 10 miles visibility; temperature 30.0 degrees Celsius; dew point 22.2 degrees Celsius; altimeter 30.11 inches of mercury. The associated station pressure was 29.81 inches of mercury. The calculated density altitude was 2,205 feet.
Relevant Information from FAA Handbook
The FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25A) notes that density altitude represents pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature. A decrease in air density corresponds with an increase in density altitude and a decrease in airplane performance. Density altitude is used in calculating airplane performance. The handbook also notes that the effect of wind on takeoff distance is large, requiring proper consideration. A tailwind of 10 percent of the takeoff airspeed will increase the takeoff distance approximately 21 percent. The pilot noted that the accident might have been prevented by paying closer attention to density altitude.