Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary FTW99LA157

MONAVILLE, TX, USA

Aircraft #1

N73PB

Grumman G-164A

Analysis

The pilot reported that while landing at a privately owned airstrip, the runway 'appeared to be in good shape and dry.' However, when the agricultural airplane's main landing gear touched down, 'the wheels sunk into the soft ground,' and the airplane nosed over onto its back. The pilot reported that the landing area was 'dry in the middle and soft on the sides.'

Factual Information

On June 2, 1999, at 1315 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164A agricultural airplane, N73PB, owned and operated by Double L Flying Service, of Wallis, Texas, was substantially damaged during landing near Monaville, Texas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the aircraft, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 local aerial application flight. The pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, that while landing at a privately owned airstrip, the runway "appeared to be in good shape and dry." However, when the airplane's main landing gear touched down, "the wheels sunk into the soft ground," and the airplane nosed over onto its back. The pilot reported that the landing area was "dry in the middle and soft on the sides." Examination of the aircraft by the FAA inspector revealed that an upper wing spar, the engine mounts, and the vertical stabilizer were damaged.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to touch down on the dry area of the landing strip. A factor was the soft terrain condition on the sides of the grass strip.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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