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Casualties unknown

Engine Failure and Nose-Over During Aerial Application (N9828)

Valley Mills, TX, US

On March 9, 1992, a Grumman G-164A (registration N9828) operated by Don E. Lowe was involved in an aviation accident near Valley Mills, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine lost power during descent, and the subsequent nose-over occurred during the landing roll on a wet field. 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 2026-06-16Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced engine power loss during a fertilizer application descent, resulting in a forced landing and a subsequent nose-over on a wet field.

What happened

While performing a descent for the aerial application of fertilizer over a wheat field, the engine lost power. The pilot was forced to execute a forced landing. As the aircraft performed its landing roll across the wet field, the airplane nosed over.

The investigation

An examination of maintenance records indicated that the engine had been approved for use with automotive fuel. Following an engine teardown, investigators identified several mechanical issues:

  • Spark plugs installed on the rear side of the cylinders were not approved by the engine manufacturer; these plugs were found to be fouled and corroded.
  • Carbon deposits were present in the engine oil.
  • Significant carbon deposits were also found within the intake manifold, on the valves, and on the tops of the pistons.

Records showed that 847 hours of use had elapsed since the last engine overhaul. The manufacturer's recommended interval for an engine overhaul is between 600 and 1000 hours.

Probable cause

The engine lost power during descent, and the subsequent nose-over occurred during the landing roll on a wet field.
Maintenance error

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Mar 1992 Grumman G-164A accident near Valley Mills, TX?

An aircraft experienced engine power loss during a fertilizer application descent, resulting in a forced landing and a subsequent nose-over on a wet field.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Mar 1992 involved a Grumman G-164A, registration N9828, operated by Don E. Lowe, at Valley Mills, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine lost power during descent, and the subsequent nose-over occurred during the landing roll on a wet field.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14291. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.