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Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Engine Power Loss, Aircraft Impacts Ground Short of Runway After Forced Landing Attempt (N8498K)

Ferriday, LA, US

On September 17, 1996, a Schweizer G-164B (registration N8498K) operated by Ag-cats, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Ferriday, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The partial loss of engine power due to a cracked cylinder head. Factors were the oil leak which restricted the pilot's visual lookout and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. 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 takeoff climb, the engine lost power and the windshield became coated with oil. The pilot attempted to return to the airstrip but the spray boom caught tall weeds, causing a loss of airspeed. The airplane impacted the ground short of the runway and sustained substantial damage.

Accident Details

According to the pilot's report, during the takeoff climb the engine lost power and the windshield became coated with oil. The pilot immediately began a shallow right turn in an attempt to return to the airstrip. While descending, the airplane's spray boom caught tall weeds, resulting in a loss of airspeed. The airplane then impacted the ground short of the runway threshold and came to rest on its nose.

Damage

The impact caused the engine to separate from the airframe. All four wings were damaged, and the landing gear separated from the fuselage.

Engine Examination

The salvage yard owner performed a partial engine examination and tear down. He reported finding metal throughout the engine and one cylinder head cracked.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Sept 1996 Schweizer G-164B accident near Ferriday, LA?

During takeoff climb, the engine lost power and the windshield became coated with oil. The pilot attempted to return to the airstrip but the spray boom caught tall weeds, causing a loss of airspeed. The airplane impacted the ground short of the runway and sustained substantial damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Sept 1996 involved a Schweizer G-164B, registration N8498K, operated by Ag-cats, Inc., at Ferriday, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The partial loss of engine power due to a cracked cylinder head. Factors were the oil leak which restricted the pilot's visual lookout and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06734. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.