On May 7, 1995, a Grumman G-164B (registration N6895Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Stayton, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A POWER LOSS FOR UNDETERMINED REASON(S). A FACTOR WAS THE SOFT TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an agricultural spray run, the engine surged and backfired at 80 feet. To avoid power lines, the pilot performed a forced landing. During rollout in a dirt field, the wheels sank and the aircraft nosed over. Postcrash examination found no discrepancies with the magnetos or air induction, and fuel was uncontaminated.
Event Summary
While initiating a spray run, the aircraft's engine began surging and backfiring. The aircraft was at an altitude of 80 feet above ground level. With power lines in the pilot's flight path, the pilot chose to execute a forced landing. During the landing rollout in a dirt field, the aircraft's wheels sank into the soft soil, causing the aircraft to nose over.
Postcrash Examination
A postcrash examination was conducted on the aircraft. No discrepancies were found with the magnetos or the air induction system. The fuel in the aircraft's tanks was tested and found to be uncontaminated. The specific cause of the engine surge and backfire was not identified during the examination.