On August 20, 1988, a Schweizer G-164B (registration N6685Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Catahoula, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine failure during low-altitude operations, for which the cause could not be determined due to destruction by fire. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An agricultural airplane engaged in bird control operations experienced an engine failure at low altitude, resulting in a controlled flight into terrain and a post-impact fire.
What happened
The aircraft was conducting aerial application duties specifically to scare birds away from rice fields. At the time of the incident, the airplane was operating at an altitude of 15 feet above ground level. The engine backfired and subsequently quit. The airplane collided with the terrain and burned.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the engine and engine accessories were so destroyed by fire that nothing could be determined as to why the engine backfired and quit.
Probable cause
The engine failure during low-altitude operations, for which the cause could not be determined due to destruction by fire.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 20 Aug 1988 Schweizer G-164B accident near Catahoula, LA?
An agricultural airplane engaged in bird control operations experienced an engine failure at low altitude, resulting in a controlled flight into terrain and a post-impact fire.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Aug 1988 involved a Schweizer G-164B, registration N6685Q, at Catahoula, LA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The engine failure during low-altitude operations, for which the cause could not be determined due to destruction by fire.
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