# NTSB CHI07CA230: Gulfstream-Schweizer Gulfstream AM G-164B, N8402K, Walnut Ridge, AR, July 23, 2007 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: July 23, 2007, 14:25 local (19:25 UTC) - Place: Walnut Ridge, AR - Coordinates: 36.142501, -90.836669 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.1425&lon=-90.8367&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report August 30, 2007 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - Little Rock FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 66365 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI07CA230 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/66365/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07CA230 ## 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. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, takeoff - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor) - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause) - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - crop ## Analysis The agricultural airplane impacted terrain during takeoff from runway 18 (2,200 feet long, asphalt/gravel). The pilot stated that prior to the aerial application flight, the airplane was loaded with about 500 lbs of fuel and 2,700 lbs of urea. The takeoff weight was about 7,600 lbs. The maximum demonstrated gross weight for the restricted category airplane was 8,300 lbs. The pilot reported that the wind was approximately "10-12 mph" out of the north and that he performed a "straight downwind takeoff" using full engine power. Halfway down the runway, the pilot "knew [he] was in trouble" and decided to dump the agricultural load. He stated that when the airplane got to the end of the runway, it hit a levee and pitched to a nose high attitude. When the pilot lowered the nose, the airplane "mushed down, losing airspeed." The airplane then impacted terrain tail first, nosed over, and came to rest upside down. Wind conditions reported near the time of the accident were 010 degrees at 8 knots. ## Factual narrative The agricultural airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during takeoff from runway 18 (2,200 feet long, asphalt/gravel). The pilot stated that prior to the aerial application flight, the airplane was loaded with about 500 lbs of fuel and 2,700 lbs of urea. The takeoff weight was about 7,600 lbs. The maximum demonstrated gross weight for the restricted category airplane was 8,300 lbs. The pilot reported that the wind was approximately "10-12 mph" out of the north and that he performed a "straight downwind takeoff" using full engine power. Halfway down the runway, the pilot "knew [he] was in trouble" and decided to dump the agricultural load. He stated that when the airplane got to the end of the runway, it hit a levee and pitched to a nose high attitude. When the pilot lowered the nose, the airplane "mushed down, losing airspeed." The airplane then impacted terrain tail first, nosed over, and came to rest upside down. Wind conditions reported near the time of the accident were 010 degrees at 8 knots. ## 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 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 - Airframe hours: 10452.4 - Engines: Garrett-AiResearch TPE331-1 turbo prop - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: Wilson Flying Service Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: 100 hour, July 1, 2007 - Departed: PVT, Walnut Ridge, AR - Destination: PVT - Airport: PVT, Wilson's Flying Service, runway 18, 2,200 × ft, gravel ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 29; injuries: minor; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review February 1, 2007; seat: single; flight hours: 1,085 total, 606 in this make and model, 1,022 as pilot in command, 276 in the last 90 days, 105 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 10° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 57 °F - Altimeter: 30.04 inHg - Observed at: ARG ## 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 20070723016739A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070723016739A), Jul 23, 2007: Scwzer G164B, Walnut Ridge, AR, Substantial damage. (-23) On July 23, 2007 at approximately 1435 central standard time, a Grumman G-164B, single engine airplane, N8402K, serial number 687B was involved in an… ## 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 CEN13LA504](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA504), Aug 22, 2013: Gulfstream-Schweizer A/C Gulfstream AM G-164B (N8402K), Walnut Ridge, AR, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to properly set the engine power for takeoff, which resulted in the airplane subsequently settling into terrain. - [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 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. 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.