On June 12, 1990, a Grumman G-164A (registration N5257) was involved in an aviation accident near Fisher, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot experienced sudden engine power loss shortly after takeoff, resulting in an uncontrolled descent and inverted crash. The aircraft was destroyed by fire, with no determination made regarding the specific mechanical cause of the failure.
What happened
The commercial pilot reported that shortly after initiating takeoff, he heard a loud bang followed by continued banging and rattling noises emanating from the engine. As the aircraft began to lose altitude, the pilot dumped his fuel load in an attempt to mitigate potential fire hazards or reduce weight, but the aircraft continued its uncontrolled descent.
The aircraft impacted the ground hard in a three-point attitude before flipping inverted. Shortly after the pilot ejected from the wreckage, the aircraft began burning and was subsequently destroyed by fire.
The investigation
Due to the severity of the fire and the lack of available information regarding the engine's condition post-impact, no further mechanical examination or determination could be made as to why the engine lost power.