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Engine Power Loss During Aerial Application Pull-Up Leads to Forced Landing and Collision with Trees (N6816Q)

Edwards, MS, US

On June 20, 1997, a Schweizer G-164B (registration N6816Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Edwards, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Right magneto distributor drive gear failure resulting in loss of magneto timing. 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 an aerial application pull-up, the engine lost power. The pilot performed a forced landing in a field but could not stop before hitting trees. Investigation revealed a failed right magneto distributor drive gear.

Incident Overview

An agricultural aircraft experienced an engine power loss while pulling up from an aerial application run. The pilot immediately executed a forced landing in a nearby open field. However, the aircraft could not be stopped before it collided with trees at the far end of the field.

Postcrash Examination

A postcrash inspection of the engine identified a failure of the right magneto distributor drive gear. Several teeth on the gear were found missing, causing the gear to occasionally fail to drive the distributor. This resulted in a loss of timing between the magneto and the engine.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that there was insufficient time to cycle the magneto switches during the emergency before the forced landing was carried out.

Findings

The investigation determined that the engine power loss was due to a magneto timing loss, which was caused by the failure of the right magneto distributor drive gear with missing teeth.

Probable cause

Right magneto distributor drive gear failure resulting in loss of magneto timing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Jun 1997 Schweizer G-164B accident near Edwards, MS?

During an aerial application pull-up, the engine lost power. The pilot performed a forced landing in a field but could not stop before hitting trees. Investigation revealed a failed right magneto distributor drive gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Jun 1997 involved a Schweizer G-164B, registration N6816Q, at Edwards, MS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Right magneto distributor drive gear failure resulting in loss of magneto timing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08195. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.