Accident Sequence
On May 7, 2017, at about 1135 Pacific daylight time, a Grumman G164A, registration N8712H, was destroyed by a post-impact fire at Madera Municipal Airport (MAE), Madera, California. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Todds Aerial Spraying, LLC, under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight, which was originating at the time of the accident.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that he had completed three aerial application flights that morning without incident. During the fourth takeoff roll on runway 30, the airplane began to veer to the left. He applied full right brake and rudder control to correct the movement; however, despite these inputs, the airplane exited the left side of the runway. The pilot stated that the throttle remained at full power as he attempted to lift off from the grassy area adjacent to the runway. Subsequently, the right main landing gear separated, causing the propeller and right wing to strike the ground. The airplane nosed over, and a post-crash fire ensued. The pilot noted that at the time of the accident, the wind was about 7–10 mph from the southeast, with occasional gusts to 12–14 mph. He also reported that the airplane carried about 200 gallons of chemicals and 35 gallons of fuel.
Aircraft Design and Examination
The airplane's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) design incorporated a free-swivel, non-lockable tailwheel assembly. This design provides directional control on the ground through differential braking until adequate airspeed is attained for the rudder to become effective. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the right brake and found no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The inspector concluded that normal brake effectiveness was available and that the right brake was fully applied; however, this was not adequate to overcome the left yaw.
Damage
The airplane was destroyed by the post-impact fire.