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.
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.