# NTSB CEN13LA504: Gulfstream-Schweizer A/C Gulfstream AM G-164B, N8402K, Walnut Ridge, AR, August 22, 2013 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 22, 2013, 08:45 local (13:45 UTC) - Place: Walnut Ridge, AR - Coordinates: 36.124443, -90.925003 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.1244&lon=-90.9250&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Aerodynamic stall/spin](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report January 30, 2014 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 87861 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN13LA504 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/87861/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=87861 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA504 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to properly set the engine power for takeoff, which resulted in the airplane subsequently settling into terrain. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: powerplant parameters](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062050): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Gulfstream-Schweizer A/C GULFSTREAM AM G-164B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062050/cases.md?model=3979904), [All aircraft, 81 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062050/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: use of equip/system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Gulfstream-Schweizer A/C GULFSTREAM AM G-164B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md?model=3979904), [All aircraft, 1,391 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Aerodynamic stall/spin](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241) (defining event); cases with it: [Gulfstream-Schweizer A/C GULFSTREAM AM G-164B, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md?model=3979904), [All aircraft, 1,529 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Gulfstream-Schweizer A/C GULFSTREAM AM G-164B, 8 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=3979904), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## 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 narrative 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. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N8402K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8402K-2024-06-21), registration cancelled 2024-06-21, S/N 687B, built 1982 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: GULFSTREAM-SCHWEIZER A/C CORP GULFSTREAM AM G-164B - Registry model: [Gulfstream-Schweizer A/C GULFSTREAM AM G-164B](https://openairdocs.org/model/gulfstream-schweizer-a-c-gulfstream-am-g-164b) (registry code 3979904) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 687B - Engines: P&W R1340 SERIES 600 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility - Departed: ARG, Walnut Ridge, AR - Destination: ARG, Walnut Ridge, AR - Airport: ARG, Walnut Ridge Regional Airport ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 41; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; seat: center; flight hours: 18,000 total, 700 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 190° at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 72 °F - Altimeter: 30.12 inHg - Observed at: ARG ## Other investigations on N8402K (5) 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. - [NTSB CEN15LA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA259), Jun 3, 2015: Gulfstream-Schweizer A/C Gulfstream AM G 164B (N8402K), Delaplaine, AR, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to establish a proper airspeed and angle-of attack during takeoff in elevated density altitude and light tailwind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. - [NTSB CEN11CA174](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11CA174), May 10, 2011: Gulfstream-Schweizer A/C Gulfstream AM G-164B (N8402K), Walnut Ridge, AR, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing with a left quartering tailwind and wind gusts. - [NTSB CHI07CA230](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07CA230), Jul 23, 2007: Gulfstream-Schweizer Gulfstream AM G-164B (N8402K), Walnut Ridge, AR, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's improper decision to takeoff with a tailwind which resulted in a collision with terrain immediately after liftoff. Factors contributing to the accident were the tailwind and the levee. - [NTSB CHI07CA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07CA144), May 14, 2007: Gulfstream-Schweizer Gulfstream AM G-164B (N8402K), Walnut Ridge, AR, substantial damage. Probable cause: A non-mechanical loss of engine power during the takeoff roll due to fuel contamination. An additional cause was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection. A factor in the accident was the soft… - [NTSB FTW94LA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94LA131), Apr 21, 1994: Gulfstream G-164B (N8402K), Delaplaine, AR, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. A FACTOR WAS THE LOW ALTITUDE AT WHICH THE POWER LOSS OCCURRED. ## Docket (1 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on December 13, 2013, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=87861. 53 KB in all. - Record of Conversation - Pilot (item 1, .PDF, 53 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40402452&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20Pilot-Master.PDF 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.