On April 25, 1983, a Grumman G-164A (registration N4564) was involved in an aviation accident near Anahuac, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A malfunction in the impeller and shaft assembly allowed the impeller to drag against its housing, leading to engine failure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An agricultural aircraft experienced engine failure after the power did not respond to throttle input. The pilot dumped the spray load and landed in a rice field, where the aircraft ground-looped in ruts and was destroyed by fire. Investigation found a malfunction in the impeller and shaft assembly.
Incident Overview
An agricultural aircraft was approaching a field for spraying operations when a ground witness reported the engine sounded as if it was being throttled back. When the pilot attempted to increase power, the engine did not respond and shortly thereafter failed completely. The pilot jettisoned the spray load, turned, and executed a forced landing in a rice field. Upon touchdown, the aircraft encountered ruts and ground-looped. A post-crash fire ensued, destroying the aircraft.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the engine following the accident revealed a malfunction in the impeller and shaft assembly. The malfunction allowed the impeller to drag against its housing. According to an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic, this failure caused the engine to fail.
Probable cause
A malfunction in the impeller and shaft assembly allowed the impeller to drag against its housing, leading to engine failure.
What happened in the 25 Apr 1983 Grumman G-164A accident near Anahuac, TX?
An agricultural aircraft experienced engine failure after the power did not respond to throttle input. The pilot dumped the spray load and landed in a rice field, where the aircraft ground-looped in ruts and was destroyed by fire. Investigation found a malfunction in the impeller and shaft assembly.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Apr 1983 involved a Grumman G-164A, registration N4564, at Anahuac, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A malfunction in the impeller and shaft assembly allowed the impeller to drag against its housing, leading to engine failure.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…