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Aerial Application Aircraft Stalls on Takeoff Due to Power Lever Oversight

Rochelle, IL, United States

On July 5, 2018, a Grumman G164 B operated by Hendrickson Flying Service Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Rochelle, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to move the power lever from the ground idle position to the flight position, resulting in insufficient airspeed and an aerodynamic stall. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff for an aerial application flight, the pilot failed to advance the power lever from idle, causing the aircraft to stall at low altitude and crash inverted. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

Accident Details

The pilot of a turbine-powered airplane reported that, during the takeoff roll for an aerial application flight, he neglected to move the power lever from the ground idle position to the flight position. As a result, the aircraft failed to achieve sufficient airspeed to lift off properly. Shortly after becoming airborne, the airplane aerodynamically stalled approximately 50 feet above ground level. The aircraft then impacted terrain and came to rest inverted.

Aircraft Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and the empennage. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to move the power lever from the ground idle position to the flight position, resulting in insufficient airspeed and an aerodynamic stall.

Contributing factors

PilotIncorrect use/operationAirspeed — Not attained/maintained

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jul 2018 Grumman G164 B accident near Rochelle, IL?

During takeoff for an aerial application flight, the pilot failed to advance the power lever from idle, causing the aircraft to stall at low altitude and crash inverted. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Jul 2018 Grumman G164 B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jul 2018 involved a Grumman G164 B, operated by Hendrickson Flying Service Inc, at Rochelle, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to move the power lever from the ground idle position to the flight position, resulting in insufficient airspeed and an aerodynamic stall.

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