Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to move the power lever to the proper position before takeoff, which resulted in insufficient airspeed and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the turbine-powered airplane reported that, during takeoff for an agricultural application flight, he failed to move the power lever from the ground idle position to the flight position. During takeoff, the airplane did not attain sufficient airspeed, aerodynamically stalled about 50 ft above the ground, impacted terrain, and came to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and the empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA401 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 5, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rochelle, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Hendrickson Flying Service (IL93)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grumman G164
- N-number
- N6795Q
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- Damage
- Substantial
- 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.