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Casualties unknown

Engine Failure Leads to Forced Landing in Soybean Field (N9700)

Lynchburg, SC, US

On September 22, 1995, a Grumman G-164A (registration N9700) was involved in an aviation accident near Lynchburg, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The right magneto timing had been lost because the rear attachment base had broken, permitting the magneto to shift. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a return flight from crop spraying, the engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing in a soybean field, but the aircraft nosed over after landing gear caught on crops. Postcrash inspection revealed a broken magneto attachment base.

Incident Overview

A pilot conducting crop spraying operations experienced engine roughness while returning from a field. After checking both magnetos, the engine subsequently lost power. Despite attempts to restart, the engine remained inoperative, prompting the pilot to choose a soybean field for an emergency landing.

Landing and Nose-Over

During the landing flare, the aircraft's landing gear was caught by the soybean crop, which was approximately 5 feet high. This caused the aircraft to nose over.

Postcrash Findings

Examination after the accident revealed that the right magneto had lost its timing. The timing loss occurred because the rear attachment base of the magneto had broken, allowing the magneto to shift position.

Probable cause

The right magneto timing had been lost because the rear attachment base had broken, permitting the magneto to shift.
Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Sept 1995 Grumman G-164A accident near Lynchburg, SC?

During a return flight from crop spraying, the engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing in a soybean field, but the aircraft nosed over after landing gear caught on crops. Postcrash inspection revealed a broken magneto attachment base.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Sept 1995 involved a Grumman G-164A, registration N9700, at Lynchburg, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The right magneto timing had been lost because the rear attachment base had broken, permitting the magneto to shift.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04426. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.