On June 17, 1986, a Grumman G-164B (registration N48592) operated by Harrington Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Abbeville, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The breakage of an engine valve push rod, which caused a loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot performed a successful forced landing following an in-flight loss of power caused by a broken engine valve push rod, requiring the aircraft to be flipped to avoid an irrigation system.
What happened
The pilot reported executing a successful forced landing after experiencing a complete loss of engine power during flight. Upon touchdown, the situation required immediate and unusual action to prevent a secondary collision. The aircraft was situated near a lateral above-ground irrigation system that contained approximately four feet of water depth. To avoid striking this structure, the pilot had to flip the aircraft onto its side or roof.
The investigation
Following the incident, a mechanical examination of the engine was conducted to determine the root cause of the power loss. The inspection revealed that an engine valve push rod had broken. This mechanical failure directly resulted in the cessation of engine function, leading to the forced landing scenario described by the pilot.
Probable cause
The breakage of an engine valve push rod, which caused a loss of engine power.