On August 7, 1996, a Grumman-schweizer G-164 (registration N8842H) was involved in an aviation accident near Grant, NE. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: fatigue failure and subsequent catastrophic failure of the number nine cylinder. A factor was the corn. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an agricultural swath run, an engine cylinder fractured due to fatigue. The pilot performed a forced landing in a corn field, resulting in substantial structural damage.
Accident Summary
During an agricultural application flight, the pilot was entering the eighth swath run at an altitude of 41 feet when the number nine cylinder exploded. The windscreen became covered with oil, impairing visibility. The pilot made a shallow turn to avoid a rotary irrigation system and conducted a forced landing in a corn field. During the landing, the left wing struck the corn, and the landing gear began sinking into the mud. The airplane subsequently spun around, sustaining substantial damage to the lower wings, fuselage, and left wing support struts.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the number nine cylinder was fractured between the barrel and the cylinder head. Evidence of fatigue cracking was present around the entire circumference of the head. The major fatigue zones accounted for approximately 25 percent of the fracture surface.
What happened in the 7 Aug 1996 Grumman-schweizer G-164 accident near Grant, NE?
During an agricultural swath run, an engine cylinder fractured due to fatigue. The pilot performed a forced landing in a corn field, resulting in substantial structural damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 7 Aug 1996 Grumman-schweizer G-164 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Aug 1996 involved a Grumman-schweizer G-164, registration N8842H, at Grant, NE.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
fatigue failure and subsequent catastrophic failure of the number nine cylinder. A factor was the corn.
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