Casualties unknown

1989-06-15: Grumman-schweizer G-164A (N8916H) — Morse, LA

Morse, LA, US

On June 15, 1989, a Grumman-schweizer G-164A (registration N8916H) was involved in an aviation accident near Morse, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON. THE SOFT TERRAIN WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An agricultural aircraft lost engine power during climb after departure from a private strip. The pilot dumped the chemical load and forced-landed in a bean field. During rollout, soft terrain caused a nose-over. Inspection found a minor crack on the #5 cylinder but no cause for the power loss.

Accident Overview

The incident involved an agricultural aircraft departing from a private airstrip while carrying a load of chemicals. As the aircraft climbed through approximately 100 feet above ground level, the pilot initiated a reduction in power. Subsequently, the engine experienced a complete loss of power. The pilot promptly jettisoned the chemical cargo and executed a forced landing into a bean field. During the landing rollout, the aircraft's wheels encountered soft terrain, resulting in the aircraft nosing over.

Engine Examination

After the accident, an examination of the engine was performed to identify the cause of the power loss. The inspection discovered a minor crack on the #5 cylinder, located near the front spark plug hole. However, this crack was not considered sufficient to account for the total power loss. No other anomalies or malfunctions were detected that could explain the reported loss of engine power.

Findings

The investigation concluded that the reason for the engine power loss could not be determined from the available evidence. The aircraft sustained a nose-over due to the soft ground conditions encountered during the forced landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28572. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.