On April 28, 1993, a Grumman G-164A (registration N31182) operated by Worthington Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Truman, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A POWER LOSS FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. A FACTOR WAS: THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot of an agricultural aircraft, while flushing the hopper, attempted a descent into a field after switching on the spray boom. The engine did not respond to full power, leading to a collision with trees.
Accident Details
The pilot was flushing the hopper with water. He made a pass over a field with the spray boom off. As he pulled up to clear a wire, he switched the spray boom on. He initiated a descent into an adjoining field, and as he started the roundout, the airplane continued descending. He added full power but the engine did not respond. The airplane touched down on the ground, then lifted off. The pilot had insufficient altitude to clear a knoll at the end of the field, so he pulled the nose up and the airplane collided with trees.
Witness Reports
Three ground witnesses reported hearing a bang, an explosion, or a backfire.
Engine Examination
The engine was later functionally tested and it operated satisfactorily.