Probable cause
An inadvertent accelerated stall. Contributing factors in this accident were the low airspeed, steep angle of bank, and heavy weight.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that the airplane was loaded with a full load of fertilizer and fuel. He started a turn after making his last aerial application pass. He stated that as he rolled out of the turn, "the [control] stick was pulled straight to the dash and [he] could not pull it back." The airplane "tipped" on its nose and "headed straight for the ground. Before [he] hit the ground, [the pilot] could not pull the [control] stick away from the dash." Witnesses said the airplane was in a steep right turn when it "nosed straight in."
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DEN08LA106 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 18, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- O'Kean, Arkansas
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grumman-Schweizer G-164B
- N-number
- N6601Q
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.