Grumman G164 N9716 accident near Maxwell, California

Probable cause

The pilot's delayed decision to abort the takeoff when the airplane was not attaining sufficient airspeed for takeoff and subsequently departed the end of the runway and collided with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight preparation and planning and decision to takeoff with a tailwind.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that after loading the airplane with 2000 lbs. of sulfate and topping off with fuel in preparation for the aerial application flight, he began the takeoff roll on the 2,000 ft long airstrip with a tailwind. The pilot realized that he was in trouble and needed more airspeed, so he applied full available power as there was now insufficient runway remaining to abort the takeoff and safely stop. The airplane subsequently collided with a berm at the end of the airstrip and became airborne for a short distance before the pilot forced landed the airplane in a rice field. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The wings and empennage were substantially damaged.

The pilot added that he should have evaluated the weight, wind direction, and density altitude in relation to the performance capability of the airplane.

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact failures or malfunctions with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR20CA159 for the full record.