# NTSB ATL85LA192: Grumman G-164, N609U, Ashford, AL, June 27, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 27, 1985, 14:10 local (19:10 UTC)
- Place: Ashford, AL
- Coordinates: 31.180963, -85.230552 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.1810&lon=-85.2306&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6813
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85LA192
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6813/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85LA192

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment
  - landing gear,normal brake system - inoperative
  - ground loop/swerve - attempted, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS RETURNING TO THE PRIVATE AG STRIP AFTER COMPLETING A SPRAY RUN. DURING THE LANDING THE PILOT FOUND THAT THE LEFT BRAKE WAS INOP. IN ORDER TO PREVENT RUNNING OFF END OF THE 1500 FT RWY, THE PLT ELECTED TO GROUND LOOP THE AIRCRAFT. DURING THE ATTEMPTED GROUND LOOP THE ACFT RAN OFF THE SIDE OF THE RWY AND COLLIDED WITH A DIRT EMBANKMENT. EXAMINATION OF THE LANDING GEAR REVEALED THAT THE LEFT BAKE DISC PAD WAS BADLY WORN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N609U (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN G-164
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 338
- Airframe hours: 5559
- Engines: P&W R-985-AN1 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Paul P. Savill
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 9, 1985
- Departed: 4J9, ASHFORD, AL
- Airport: 4J9, Lucky Fld, runway 10, 1,550 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 2,110 total, 1,618 in this make and model, 2,064 as pilot in command, 69 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850627028199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850627028199A), Jun 27, 1985: Scwzer G164, Ashford, AL, Substantial damage. Pilot attempted a ground loop when left brake became inoperative. Aircraft struck embankment. Brake lining worn.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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