Accident Details
At approximately 1130 central daylight time on May 8, 2017, a Grumman G-164C airplane was destroyed by a ground fire after it departed the runway during takeoff from a private airstrip near Beech Grove, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and the flight was not operating on a flight plan.
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, about halfway down the runway, the right main tire went flat and possibly blew. The airplane suddenly veered to the right, exited the side of the runway, struck a field ditch, bounced, turned sideways, and slid to a stop. The pilot observed fuel leaking from the engine compartment, which subsequently ignited. After exiting the aircraft without injury, the pilot watched as the fire consumed the airplane. The engine compartment, cockpit, fuselage, empennage, and left wing were largely destroyed by the flames.
Aircraft and Operator
The airplane was owned by HDS, Inc. and operated by the pilot under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137, which governs aerial application operations. The purpose of the flight was local aerial application.
Investigation
Post-accident photographs of the wreckage showed that the main landing gear wheels, brakes, and tires were largely consumed by fire. Due to the extensive fire damage, these components could not be tested to determine their pre-accident condition. No weather-related issues were reported; the surface observation at Walnut Ridge Regional Airport (ARG), located 10 miles east of the accident site, at 1000 indicated wind from 220° at 6 knots, 10 miles visibility, clear skies, temperature 24°C, dew point 14°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.10 inches of mercury.