Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed at a low altitude.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During agriculture operations the pilot made a left turn and the aircraft began to lose altitude. The pilot increased power; however, this did not arrest the rate of descent and the aircraft impacted the ground.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 27, 1995, at 1400 central daylight time, a Grumman G- 164A, N8685H, was substantially damaged following a loss of control while maneuvering near Cheneyville, Louisiana. The commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight. In an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot reported that after departing an airstrip, the aircraft began losing altitude while in a left turn 60 feet above ground level. The aircraft continued "sinking" despite adding additional power. The aircraft subsequently impacted the ground resulting in structural damage to the wing leading edges, engine and fuselage. An inspection of the aircraft by the FAA inspector revealed no anomalies that could have resulted in the loss of power or loss of lift. -