Casualties unknown

1991-06-22: Grumman G-164B (N8089K) — David W. Cain — MC Crory, AR

MC Crory, AR, US

On June 22, 1991, a Grumman G-164B (registration N8089K) operated by David W. Cain was involved in an aviation accident near MC Crory, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an emergency descent and collision with a tree and house. 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

A private pilot experienced total engine failure during a crop dusting operation under FAR Part 137. The aircraft struck a tree and house before crashing, resulting in a post-crash fire.

What happened

The incident occurred while the aircraft was conducting an agricultural spraying operation under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137. The pilot, holding a private certificate but not qualified for commercial crop dusting operations, was executing a spraying pass when the engine suddenly lost all power. The cause of this mechanical failure remained undetermined at the time of the report.

Following the loss of thrust, the pilot initiated an emergency descent to attempt a forced landing. During this maneuver, the airplane collided with a tree, which caused the aircraft to go out of control. The失控 aircraft then struck a residential house before impacting the ground. Upon ground impact, the airplane was completely destroyed by post-crash fire.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of power and the subsequent collision with terrain and structures. Investigators noted that the pilot was not qualified for the specific commercial operation being performed under Part 137 regulations. No further mechanical analysis details were provided in the source text regarding the engine failure itself.

Findings

The primary factors contributing to the accident included the total loss of engine power during a critical phase of flight and the pilot's lack of qualification for the commercial agricultural operation. The collision with the tree and house was a direct result of the inability to maintain controlled flight after the power failure.

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an emergency descent and collision with a tree and house.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17252. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.