Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN13LA504

Walnut Ridge, AR, USA

Aircraft #1

N8402K

GULFSTREAM-SCHWEIZER A/C CORP GULFSTREAM AM G-164B

Analysis

The pilot did not have the engine power set properly when he took off for an aerial application flight. While in ground effect, the airplane began to stall and settled into the terrain. The airplane came to rest upright. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot did not possess a Part 137 operating certificate.

Factual Information

On August 22, 2013, at 0845 central daylight time, a Gulfstream AM G-164B airplane, N8402K, impacted terrain during takeoff near Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The airplane was registered to and operated illegally by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight and a flight plan was not filed. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that during the takeoff, he did not have the engine power set properly for takeoff. While in ground effect, the airplane began to stall and settled into the terrain. The airplane came to rest upright. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilot did not possess a Part 137 operating certificate. Numerous requests to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1) were unsuccessful.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to properly set the engine power for takeoff, which resulted in the airplane subsequently settling into terrain.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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