On February 1, 1995, a Grumman G-164B (registration N705Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Pixley, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain control due to an in-flight engine failure caused by the number three cylinder splitting between the spark plugs. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an aerial application spray run, the pilot executed a climbing turn when the engine lost power. The subsequent emergency landing in a plowed field resulted in a nose-over.
What happened
The incident occurred while the aircraft was engaged in aerial application operations. After completing a spray run, the pilot initiated a climbing 90/270-degree turn. During this maneuver, the engine experienced a sudden loss of power. Unable to maintain flight, the pilot executed an emergency landing in a nearby open field that was wet and had been freshly plowed. The impact forces caused the aircraft to nosed over upon touchdown.
The investigation
A postaccident examination of the engine was conducted to determine the mechanical cause of the power loss. The inspection revealed significant internal damage, specifically noting that the number three cylinder was split between the spark plugs. This structural failure indicates a catastrophic engine malfunction during operation.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain control due to an in-flight engine failure caused by the number three cylinder splitting between the spark plugs.
