# NTSB FTW94LA174: Grumman G-164A, N9678, Stuttgart, AR, May 20, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 20, 1994, 13:15 local (18:15 UTC)
- Place: Stuttgart, AR
- Coordinates: 34.490123, -91.550659 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.4901&lon=-91.5507&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 12, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19067
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW94LA174
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19067/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94LA174

## Probable cause

WAS THE PILOTS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN TERRAIN CLEARANCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS POSITIONING THE AIRPLANE FROM STUTTGART AIRPORT TO A FARM.  DURING THE FLIGHT HE WAS PRACTICING SIMULATED SPRAY RUNS WHEN THE AIRPLANE NOSED DOWNWARD.  THE PILOT WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP THE DESCENT BEFORE THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED THE TERRAIN.

## Factual narrative

On May 20, 1994, at 1315 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164A, N9678, was substantially damaged while maneuvering near Stuttgart, Arkansas.  The private pilot was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight.

According to the operator, the pilot was positioning the airplane from Stuttgart Airport (SGT) to the operator's farm.  During this flight the pilot was practicing simulated spray runs when the airplane nosed downward.  He further reported that the pilot was not able to stop the descent before the airplane impacted the terrain.

Numerous attempts to obtain a Pilot/Operator Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, were unsuccessful.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9678](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9678-2013-03-21), registration cancelled 2013-03-21, S/N 1198, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN G-164A
- Registry model: [Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164A](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-acft-eng-cor-schweizer-g-164a) (registry code 3952801) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1198
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Heien, George
- Registered owner: Sells Flying Service, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: SGT
- Destination: AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 20; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 220 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 9 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SGT, 8 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 19940520012029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940520012029A), May 20, 1994: Scwzer G164A, Stuttgart, AR, Substantial damage. Ag positioning flight. En route practice spray runs. Failed to pull out of a descent into a field.

## Other investigations on N9678 (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 FTW74DPG71](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW74DPG71), Jun 11, 1974: Grumman G-164A (N9678), West Memphis, AR, substantial damage

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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