On June 6, 1998, a Grumman-schweizer G-164A (registration N5087) operated by Russell Spraying, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Lazbuddie, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was 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.
An agricultural aircraft lost engine power during a turn after a pull-up, forcing a landing in a wheat field. The aircraft cartwheeled through a fence and came to rest upright in a cotton field. Examination did not determine the cause of the power loss.
Accident Overview
During the first swath run to apply fertilizer to a corn field, the pilot executed a pull-up. After turning left, the engine began to lose power for an undetermined reason. The pilot applied full throttle and leveled the wings, but the engine did not respond. Consequently, the pilot initiated a forced landing to a wheat field.
Sequence of Events
As the aircraft touched down and rolled through the wheat field, it struck a fence, then performed a "cartwheel"—a violent tumbling motion—before coming to a stop upright in a cotton field. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft without further incident.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the engine was conducted to identify the cause of the power loss. However, investigators were unable to determine the reason for the loss of engine power. No other anomalies were noted in the aircraft's structure or systems.