On May 5, 1993, a Grumman 164A (registration N5249) operated by Williams AG Service was involved in an aviation accident near Biggs, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE NUMBER 2 ENGINE CYLINDER. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF ALTITUDE FOR THE PILOT TO MAKE A SUCCESSFULL FORCED LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
After departing for aerial application of rice seed, the airplane experienced engine popping and sputtering at about 50 feet. The pilot forced-landed in a field, striking a levee and nosing over. A post-crash fire erupted, limited to the engine. Examination revealed the number 2 cylinder had failed at the barrel top.
Accident Description
The pilot had just departed an airstrip to begin an aerial application of rice seed on adjacent fields. After departure, witnesses observed the airplane at about 50 feet above the ground while en route to a field. They reported hearing the engine 'pop' and sputter. The pilot made a forced landing to an open field, next to water covered fields and bordered by an irrigation ditch. The airplane struck the inside slope of a raised levee and nosed over. A post-crash fire erupted around the engine, which was limited to the engine area.
Examination Findings
An examination of the engine revealed the number 2 cylinder had failed at the top of the cylinder barrel.