# NTSB ATL97LA126: Gulfstream-Schweizer G-164C, N585CK, Beaufort, NC, August 28, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 28, 1997, 10:15 local (14:15 UTC) - Place: Beaufort, NC - Coordinates: 34.720485, -76.650077 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7205&lon=-76.6501&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 26, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 3894 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL97LA126 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3894/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL97LA126 ## Probable cause failure of the pilot to ensure the tailwheel was properly locked, while taking off on an asphalt runway, which led to loss of directional control and a ground swerve. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run - tailwheel lock - improper use of, pilot in command (cause) - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - ground loop/swerve ## Analysis According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll, he heard a loud pop from behind, and the tail began shaking. He stated he had little rudder authority and could not keep the airplane under control. The airplane veered right, went off the runway and into a corn field. A placard in the cockpit stated that the tail wheel should be locked during takeoff on asphalt. Examination of the airplane revealed that the tailwheel lock was not broken, and the tailwheel lock hole was not deformed or damaged. ## Factual narrative On August 28, 1997, about 1015 eastern daylight time, a Gulfstream Schweizer Aircraft Corporation G-164C, N585CK, veered right off the runway and collided with a ditch and a fence near Beaufort, North Carolina. The airplane was operated by Shannon AG Service under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 137 and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A flight plan was not filed for the aerial application flight. The commercial pilot was not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, during takeoff roll on the fifth and last load of the day, he heard a loud pop behind, and the tail began shaking. He stated that he had little rudder authority and that there was a left cross wind of about five knots. The airplane then veered right, off the runway and into a corn field. The airworthiness inspector who examined the site and the airplane reported that there were rubber marks on the asphalt runway that were consistent with the tail wheel, and no evidence of main wheel tire marks. A placard in the cockpit stated that the tail wheel should be locked during takeoff on asphalt. There was continuity of the flight controls, the tail wheel lock was not broken, and the tail wheel lock hole was not deformed. ## Aircraft - Registration: N585CK (not matched to a registry record) - Reported make and model: Gulfstream-Schweizer G-164C - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 42C - Engines: Garrett TPE331-10 turbo prop - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: Shannon Ag Service - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Departed: NONE - Airport: Private, runway 9, 2,800 × 60 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 68; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 9,379 total, 187 in this make and model, 9,379 as pilot in command, 90 in the last 90 days, 44 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 330° at 5 knots - Visibility: 7 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft broken - Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 64 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: NKT, 19 nm away ## 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 19970828026989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970828026989A), Aug 28, 1997: Scwzer G164C, Beaufort, NC, Substantial damage. Loud pop on takeoff roll. Lost rudder control. Exited rwy into cornfield. Had failed to lock the tailwheel. (-23) Mr. Adams attempted takeoff for his fourth… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.