On May 27, 1993, a Grumman G-164A (registration N4593) was involved in an aviation accident near Weiner, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A partial power loss due to a loose engine control linkage assembly bracket that allowed movement of the condition lever, pitch control governor, and fuel control unit settings. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced a partial power loss during an aerial application maneuver, forcing the pilot to land in a rough field where the plane nosed over due to a loose engine control bracket.
What happened
During an aerial application maneuver, the aircraft sustained a partial power loss. The pilot was unable to maintain flight and subsequently landed in an open, rough field. The airplane nosed over during the landing roll.
The investigation
The investigation revealed that the engine control linkage assembly bracket was loose. This condition allowed movement of the condition lever, pitch control governor, and fuel control unit settings. The engine had been installed sixty days prior to the accident.
Findings
The primary contributing factor was the loose engine control linkage assembly bracket, which compromised the engine's ability to maintain power during the maneuver.
Probable cause
A partial power loss due to a loose engine control linkage assembly bracket that allowed movement of the condition lever, pitch control governor, and fuel control unit settings.