Grumman-Schweizer G-164C N6671K

Summary

On 5 May 2008 at about 19:00 local time, a Grumman-Schweizer G-164C registered N6671K, operated by Aufderheide Flying Services, Inc, was involved in an accident near De Witt, Arkansas, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

5 May 2008 at 19:00

Classification

Accident

Location

De Witt, Arkansas, United States

Nearest airport

De Witt Muni (5M1)

Coordinates

34.2622, -91.3075

Aircraft

Grumman-Schweizer G-164C

Registration

N6671K

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Aufderheide Flying Services, Inc

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

De Witt → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

DEN08CA089

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's improper decision to attempt to close the canopy in flight, and his diverted attention resulting in the airplane impacting the terrain. Contributing to the accident was the excessively worn canopy latch.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

Shortly after initial takeoff for an aerial application flight, the airplane's canopy opened. At an altitude of approximately 300 feet above the ground the commercial pilot pulled the throttle back while attempting to close the canopy. After unsuccessfully trying to close the canopy, the pilot pushed the throttle back up but the engine did not respond fast enough to prevent the airplane from impacting the ground. Examination of the airplane revealed a bent firewall and both main landing gear were torn from the airplane. The canopy latch showed excessive wear and lacked any lubrication.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.