Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and failure to maintain an adequate airspeed. A contributing factor was the sudden windshift.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was returning to the operations base after an aerial fertilizer application. He was landing to the north, and noted that the wind was coming from the west. As he flared the airplane to land, the wind shifted to a strong, quartering tailwind. The airplane touched down on the runway, bounced, and then nosed over. During the accident sequence, the right wing sustained damage and the vertical stabilizer was crushed. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for SEA08CA093 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 25, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Dayton, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Private Road (NONE)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grumman G-164A
- N-number
- N48629
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.