NTSB Factual Report

On August 16, 2005, approximately 1230 central daylight time, a tail-wheel equipped Grumman G-164B single-engine agricultural airplane, N6903K, was substantially damaged following a loss of control during take off initial climb from a private airstrip near Alexandria, Louisiana. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Planter's Dusting Company of Alexandria, Louisiana. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The 2,900-hour pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that prior to departure from Runway 33, 250 gallons of insecticide were loaded into the airplane's hopper. According to the pilot the airplane traveled approximately 1,875 feet of the 2,500-foot long grass airstrip before the pilot rotated for take off. Following rotation, the airplane "seemed to have difficulty gaining airspeed." Subsequently the airplane stalled. According to the pilot, when the airplane stalled it turned 90 degrees to the right and impacted terrain. The pilot estimates that the wind was from the southeast at approximately 5 to 6 knots at the time of accident.

During a telephone interview with the NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC), the pilot stated that the 250 gallons of insecticide was the maximum load the airplane was able to carry, and estimated that the payload was approximately 2,000 pounds. The pilot stated he did not compute weight and balance prior to the flight. However, the pilot reported that he did refer to a weight and balance chart kept in the operator's manual to confirm that he was within the weight limits of the airplane.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who responded to the accident site, reported that the wing, horizontal stabilizer and fuselage received structural damage.

Weather reported at 1253 CDT from Alexandria International Airport (KAEX) near Alexandria, Louisiana, located 2.5 miles north east of the private field, reported winds from 200 degrees at 3 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, temperature 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point of 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit, and a barometric pressure setting of 30.01 inches of Mercury. The IIC calculated the density altitude at 1,970 feet.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall. A contributing factor was the high density altitude.