On June 25, 1993, a Grumman G164A (registration N48584) was involved in an aviation accident near Brundidge, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine probably quit when a rivet lodged under the needle and allowed the carburetor to flood with fuel. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An agricultural aircraft experienced an engine failure after a spray run, with broken carburetor rivets found in the float chamber causing fuel flooding.
Incident Summary
An aerial application flight was returning to its base field after completing a spray run. The pilot reported that a puff of black smoke was emitted from the exhaust, and the engine subsequently quit. With dense woods below, the aircraft was forced to land in the trees.
Examination Findings
A post-incident examination of the engine revealed that two rivets that fastened the carburetor accelerator pump piston had broken. These rivets were found in the carburetor float chamber, with one of them located near the needle and seat assembly.
Probable Cause
The engine likely quit when one of the broken rivets became lodged under the needle, preventing it from seating properly, which allowed the carburetor to flood with fuel.