Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary SEA95LA188

EPHRATA, WA, USA

Aircraft #1

N6774Q

GRUMMAN G-164B

Analysis

THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A LANDING AT THE AGRICULTURAL AIRSTRIP. HE STATED THAT DURING THE LANDING, THE PREVAILING WEATHER CONDITIONS PRODUCED GUSTING CROSSWINDS. AS THE AIRPLANE TOUCHED DOWN AND BEGAN TO ROLLOUT, A GUST OF WIND CAUGHT THE AIRPLANE'S RIGHT WING. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO KEEP THE AIRPLANE ON THE AIRSTRIP. THE AIRPLANE CONTINUED OFF THE AIRSTRIP, NOSED OVER, AND WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED. NO PREIMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS WERE REPORTED.

Factual Information

On July 28, 1995, about 1620 Pacific daylight time, N6774Q, a Grumman G-164B airplane, operated by The Crop Duster, Inc., Ephrata, Washington, nosed over during landing in Ephrata and was substantially damaged. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The aerial application flight was conducted under 14 CFR 137. According to the pilot, the airplane was "pulled" to the north side of the runway by gusting crosswinds as the pilot attempted to land on a dirt strip after an aerial application flight. The airplane departed the runway and the nose gear dug into soft sand. The airplane nosed over. The top wing and vertical stabilizer were bent. No preimpact mechanical deficiencies were reported.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE CROSSWINDS AND GUSTS.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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