# NTSB FTW94LA122: Schweizer G-164, N3628T, Mount Bellvue, TX, April 9, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 9, 1994, 14:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Mount Bellvue, TX
- Coordinates: 29.869876, -94.870109 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.8699&lon=-94.8701&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 7, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19030
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW94LA122
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19030/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94LA122

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. FACTORS WERE THE SOFT RUNWAY AND GUSTY WINDS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - soft (contributing factor)
- Nose over, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

DURING A SOUTHERLY TAKEOFF THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN TO DRIFT RIGHT AND ENTERED A SOFT WET AREA.  AS THE AIRCRAFT TRAVERSED THE SOFT AREA IT NOSED OVER TO THE INVERTED POSITION. OFFICIAL WIND 20 MILES SOUTHWEST OF THE ACCIDENT SITE WAS FROM 225 DEGREES AT 14 KNOTS GUSTING TO 21. THE PILOT CITED 'STRONG GUSTS' AND SOFT TERRAIN AS THE REASON FOR HIS LOSS OF CONTROL.

## Factual narrative

On April 9, 1994, at 1430 central daylight time, a Schweizer G- 164, N3628T, was substantially damaged during takeoff near Mount Bellvue, Texas. The commercial pilot, who was not injured, was not on a flight plan and weather was visual meteorological conditions.

The pilot stated in the pilot/operator report that he was taking off from a runway, specifically prepared for agriculture operations, when the aircraft began to drift right.  As the aircraft drifted right it entered a "soft area" and nosed over to the inverted position.

An examination of the aircraft revealed that it was loaded with rice seeds.

The pilot reported that the winds had begun to vary in direction at the time of the accident and were marked with "strong gusts." He further referred to a "combination of wind and runway conditions" as the reason for his loss of control.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3628T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3628T), registered now, S/N 737B, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER G-164
- Registry model: [Schweizer G-164B](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-g-164b) (registry code 8059055) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 737B
- Airframe hours: 2826
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN2 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Liberty Air Services, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 10, 1993, 243 hours before
- Airport: Nelson

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 17,761 total, 10,256 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 14 knots, gusting 21
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,700 ft broken
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: HOU, 20 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 19940409000479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940409000479A), Apr 9, 1994: Scwzer G164B, Mount Bellvue, TX, Substantial damage. Lost directional control entered soft sod portion of sod runway and nosed over. Blamed squirley shifting winds.

## Other investigations on N3628T (1)

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 CEN09CA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA151), Feb 1, 2009: Schweizer G-164B (N3628T), Ferriday, LA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's loss of control following an impact with birds.

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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