GILLETT, AR, USA
N8742H
Grumman G-164A
The agricultural aircraft impacted the terrain during the downwind takeoff/initial climb to the south from the wet and soft grass airstrip (2,600 feet). The operator reported the winds were from the north at 15 knots. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported on the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2).
On March 18, 1999, at 0800 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164A, agricultural aircraft, N8742H, impacted the terrain during the takeoff/initial climb near Gillett, Arkansas. The aircraft, owned and operated by Trites Flying Service, Gillett, Arkansas, was operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 137. The commercial pilot, sole occupant, received minor injuries and the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the local aerial application flight. The aircraft was departing from a private grass airstrip at the time of the accident. The operator and the pilot reported to the investigator-in-charge (IIC) that the grass/sod runway (2,600 feet in length) was wet and soft. The airplane was loaded with fertilizer. The winds were from the north at 15 knots and the airplane departed downwind. After becoming airborne, the airplane lost altitude, and impacted in a field. Damage occurred throughout the structural components of the airplane. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported on the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2).
The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during the downwind departure. Factors were the tailwind and the wet soft grass airstrip.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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