# NTSB DEN07CA112: Grumman-Schweizer G-164B, N8459K, Joes, CO, July 4, 2007 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: July 4, 2007, 11:30 local (17:30 UTC) - Place: Joes, CO - Coordinates: 39.116664, -102.099998 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.1167&lon=-102.1000&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report August 30, 2007 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 66159 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN07CA112 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/66159/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN07CA112 ## Probable cause the pilot's improper takeoff planning and subsequent failure to maintain aircraft control during the takeoff. Contributing factors were the high density altitude and tailwind. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor) - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause) - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor) - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - crop ## Analysis Prior to the aerial application flight, the airplane was refueled to a maximum of 114 gallons and the hopper was filled with 250 gallons (335 gallons maximum) of chemical. The pilot departed to the south on the 1/2 mile private dirt airstrip. During the initial takeoff climb, the airplane impacted corn stalks located at the end of the airstrip. Subsequently, the airplane cart-wheeled and came to rest in the field. The operator reported the temperature was approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the winds were at "few knots from the northeast." The calculated density altitude was 6,620 feet mean sea level (msl). ## Factual narrative According to the operator, prior to the aerial application flight, the airplane was refueled to a maximum of 114 gallons and the hopper was filled with 250 gallons (335 gallons maximum) of chemical. The pilot departed to the south on the 1/2 mile private dirt airstrip. During the initial takeoff climb, the airplane impacted corn stalks located at the end of the airstrip. Subsequently, the airplane cart-wheeled and came to rest in the field. The operator reported the temperature was approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the winds were at "few knots from the northeast." The commercial pilot, sole occupant on board, sustained minor injuries. Examination of the airplane revealed the wings were bent, one main landing gear was separated, and the fuselage was buckled. The calculated density altitude was 6,620 feet mean sea level (msl). ## Aircraft - Registration: [N8459K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8459K-2012-02-03), registration cancelled 2012-02-03, S/N 701B, built 1982 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Grumman-Schweizer G-164B - Registry model: [Schweizer G-164B](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-g-164b) (registry code 8059055) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 701B - Engines: Lycoming TIO-540 reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: Western Ag Air Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Departed: Joes, CO ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 70; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2; flight hours: 12,000 total, 1,000 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day ## 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 20070704013789A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070704013789A), Jul 4, 2007: Scwzer G164B, Joles, CO, Destroyed. (-23) Pilot narrative and eyewitness statements indicate that the aircraft attempted takeoff with a left quartering crosswind, a 3/4 fuel and 3/4 hopper load.… ## Other investigations on N8459K (2) 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 DEN06CA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN06CA105), Jul 27, 2006: Schweizer G-164B (N8459K), Joes, CO, substantial damage. Probable cause: A loss of engine power due to the failure of the supercharger. Contributing to the accident was a lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing. - [NTSB MIA84LA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA84LA020), Oct 27, 1983: Schweizer G-164B (N8459K), Ormond Beach, FL, destroyed 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.