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.