On November 16, 1989, a Schweizer G-164B (registration N3633Q) operated by Harold C. Tacker was involved in an aviation accident near Grimes, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the propeller counter weight bracket, which resulted in a loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot executed an emergency landing in a plowed field after losing engine power. Investigation revealed a fractured counter weight bracket on the propeller.
What happened
The pilot of the spray aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power during flight. To ensure safety, the pilot executed an emergency landing into a nearby plowed field.
The investigation
Following the incident, investigators examined the aircraft's propulsion system. A detailed inspection of the propeller revealed that a portion of the counter weight bracket was missing. Furthermore, analysis of the fractured areas showed several regions of beach marks extending from the inner radius to the outer radius.
Probable cause
The failure of the propeller counter weight bracket, which resulted in a loss of engine power.