# NTSB LAX92LA219: Grumman G-164C, N6596K, Butte City, CA, May 26, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 26, 1992, 10:50 local (17:50 UTC)
- Place: Butte City, CA
- Coordinates: 39.460479, -121.929039 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.4605&lon=-121.9290&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27626
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX92LA219
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27626/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA219

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW NORMAL PROCEDURES BY SELECTING THE WRONG RUNWAY.  CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S PREMATURE LIFT OFF AND THE EXISTING TAILWIND.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - wrong runway - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - lift-off - premature, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - vehicle
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE WAS DEPARTING TO THE SOUTH FROM THE PRIVATELY OWNED AIRSTRIP ON AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT.  THE PILOT INITIATED A PREMATURE LIFT-OFF TO AVOID A PARKED LOADER TRUCK AT THE END OF THE RUNWAY.  AFTER LIFT OFF THE FLYING SPEED AND AIRCRAFT CONTROL WERE MINIMAL AND THE AIRPLANE DRIFTED TO THE RIGHT OF THE CENTERLINE.  THE AIRPLANE'S TAILWHEEL STRUCK A SIGN POST SLIGHTLY BEYOND THE END OF THE RUNWAY, STALLED AND CRASHED.  THE PILOT REPORTED THE SURFACE WINDS WERE FROM THE NORTH AT 3 KNOTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6596K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6596K), registered now, S/N 6C, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN G-164C
- Registry model: [Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164C](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-acft-eng-cor-schweizer-g-164c) (registry code 3952803) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 06
- Airframe hours: 10492
- Engines: P&W PT6-34AG 780 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Chuck Jones Flying Service
- Registered owner: Chuck Jones Flying Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, May 23, 1992, 11 hours before
- Airport: Jones Flying Service, runway 18, 1,800 × 70 ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 8,680 total, 300 in this make and model, 8,680 as pilot in command, 350 in the last 90 days, 200 in the last 30 days, 11 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 3 knots, gusting 5
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## Other investigations on N6596K (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 WPR21LA200](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA200), May 12, 2021: Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164C (N6596K), Glenn, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s fuel mismanagement, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, a total loss of engine power, and an off-airport hard landing.
- [NTSB LAX99LA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA040), Nov 25, 1998: Grumman-Schweizer G-164C (N6596K), Oroville, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's decision to attempt readjustment of the rudder pedal in-flight.

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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