On August 10, 1995, a Grumman G164B (registration N6771Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Bloomington, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff due to a total failure of the supercharger's bearing system, which resulted in an engine failure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot reported two popping sounds and intermittent power loss after takeoff before the engine quit completely. The aircraft landed in a cornfield, inverting upon impact due to total supercharger bearing failure.
What happened
The pilot reported that the engine produced two distinct popping sounds shortly after takeoff. Between these events, the engine experienced intermittent power loss, briefly regaining power before failing completely after the second sound. The airplane subsequently landed in a mature cornfield, where it inverted before coming to rest on the ground.
The investigation
An on-scene inspection of the aircraft revealed that the engine had suffered a total failure of the supercharger's bearing system. This mechanical breakdown was identified as the primary cause of the power loss and subsequent crash landing.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff due to a total failure of the supercharger's bearing system, which resulted in an engine failure.