On September 29, 1994, a Grumman G-164B (registration N48572) was involved in an aviation accident near Greenwood, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the supercharger shaft, which reduced engine power output to that of a normally aspirated engine. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced a partial power loss, dumped the chemical load, and attempted a precautionary landing on an unprepared field where the airplane nosed over.
What happened
The pilot reported experiencing a partial power loss during flight. In response to the mechanical issue, the pilot decided to dump the aircraft's chemical load. Following this action, the pilot attempted a precautionary landing on an unprepared field. During the landing roll, the airplane nosed over.
The investigation
A subsequent examination of the engine revealed that the supercharger shaft had failed. This mechanical failure resulted in the engine power output being reduced to that of a normally aspirated engine.
Probable cause
The failure of the supercharger shaft, which reduced engine power output to that of a normally aspirated engine.