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Casualties unknown

Partial Power Loss During Crop Dusting Leads to Inverted Crash (N6743Q)

Port Allen, LA, US

On October 8, 1987, a Grumman G-164A (registration N6743Q) operated by White Castle Fertilizer Coop was involved in an aviation accident near Port Allen, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The partial loss of engine power caused by a cracked number 7 cylinder, which prevented the pilot from returning to the airfield and resulted in an inverted landing in high vegetation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced partial engine power loss while pulling up from a swath run during agricultural operations. Unable to return to the field, he landed in vegetation and flipped the aircraft inverted.

What happened

The pilot was conducting agricultural spraying operations when he encountered a partial loss of engine power during the pull-up phase from a swath run. Recognizing the mechanical issue, he attempted to return to the airfield where he had been working to execute an emergency landing. However, due to the inadequate engine power available, he was unable to make it back to the field.

Consequently, the pilot was forced to land in an area of high vegetation. Upon impact with the dense plant life, the aircraft flipped and came to rest in an inverted position.

The investigation

A mechanical examination of the engine was conducted following the accident. The inspection revealed significant internal damage, specifically noting that the number 7 cylinder was cracked completely around the barrel.

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power caused by a cracked number 7 cylinder, which prevented the pilot from returning to the airfield and resulted in an inverted landing in high vegetation.
Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Oct 1987 Grumman G-164A accident near Port Allen, LA?

A pilot experienced partial engine power loss while pulling up from a swath run during agricultural operations. Unable to return to the field, he landed in vegetation and flipped the aircraft inverted.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Oct 1987 involved a Grumman G-164A, registration N6743Q, operated by White Castle Fertilizer Coop, at Port Allen, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The partial loss of engine power caused by a cracked number 7 cylinder, which prevented the pilot from returning to the airfield and resulted in an inverted landing in high vegetation.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32317. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.