Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he took off into a 15-mph headwind from a dirt strip with an 1,800-pound load of fertilizer. When the airplane was about 100 to 150 feet above ground level, he started turning into the downwind leg of the traffic pattern. The airplane began to descend as he turned and he could not maintain altitude. He had insufficient altitude to release the full load before the airplane collided with the terrain. The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11CA198 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 4, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Princeton, California
- Nearest airport
- None
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grumman G-164
- N-number
- N716Y
- 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.