Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to ascertain a proper touchdown point and late decision to initiate a go-around, which resulted in a subsequent collision with vegetation.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he landed long on a dirt runway and realized he was running out of runway. He decided to abort the landing and applied full power as it was too late to stop the airplane. It did not accelerate as he expected due to the soft dirt. The pilot added that the airplane did not have enough airspeed to fly and while in ground effect, it struck a tree limb and cartwheeled. A post-impact fire ensued and the airplane was destroyed. The pilot stated that there were no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA151 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 12, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Maxwell, California
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grumman G164
- N-number
- N6612Q
- 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.