On June 9, 1985, a Grumman G-164A (registration N7997) was involved in an aviation accident near Kendrick, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the blower bearings, which resulted in the seizure of the blower and a consequent loss of engine power during flight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot experienced an engine failure while returning from a crop spraying mission, resulting in an emergency landing in soft terrain that caused the aircraft to nose over.
What happened
The pilot had completed a crop spraying operation on a field and was in the process of returning to the agricultural strip when the engine failed. Unable to maintain altitude or reach the runway, the pilot executed an emergency landing in an adjacent barley field. The terrain conditions were challenging, characterized by mud and soft ground. During the landing roll, the aircraft's wheels sank deeply into the unstable surface. This loss of traction and support caused the nose gear to collapse, resulting in the aircraft nosing over.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed significant mechanical failure within the engine assembly. Inspectors determined that the blower bearings had failed completely. This bearing failure led to the seizure of the blower component, which directly caused the loss of engine power and the subsequent inability to continue flight.
Probable cause
The failure of the blower bearings, which resulted in the seizure of the blower and a consequent loss of engine power during flight.
What happened in the 9 Jun 1985 Grumman G-164A accident near Kendrick, ID?
The pilot experienced an engine failure while returning from a crop spraying mission, resulting in an emergency landing in soft terrain that caused the aircraft to nose over.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Jun 1985 involved a Grumman G-164A, registration N7997, at Kendrick, ID.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The failure of the blower bearings, which resulted in the seizure of the blower and a consequent loss of engine power during flight.
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…