On July 9, 1992, a Grumman G-164A (registration N48495) operated by Bobby G. O'briant was involved in an aviation accident near Grady, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO A FAILED CYLINDER. A FACTOR WAS THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During daylight agricultural operations, a pilot heard a bang in the engine followed by complete power loss during initial climb. Forced landing in a flooded rice field resulted in the aircraft nosing over inverted; examination revealed a blown number six cylinder.
Incident Summary
A pilot performing agricultural operations during daylight hours experienced a sudden engine anomaly. While in the initial climb phase of a takeoff, the pilot heard a bang from the engine. Immediately afterward, the engine lost all power, leaving the aircraft without thrust.
Emergency Landing
With no engine power available, the pilot initiated a forced landing. The intended landing site was a flooded rice field. During the landing roll, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position.
Investigation Findings
An examination of the engine was conducted following the incident. The inspection revealed that the number six cylinder had blown.