On July 21, 1998, a Grumman G-164 (registration N698Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Hoxie, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the total failure of the engine's left magneto. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot of an aerial application airplane reported a loss of airspeed at about 200 feet above ground. While steering away from a town, altitude was lost, leading to collision with trees and a house roof, and the airplane nosed over. Investigation found an inoperative left magneto.
Event Details
The pilot of an aerial application airplane reported that the aircraft began losing airspeed when it was approximately 200 feet above the ground. The pilot maneuvered the airplane toward an area away from the town over which he was flying. During this maneuver, the airplane began to lose altitude. As it descended, the airplane collided with trees and the roof of a house. It then nosed over as it struck the ground.
Investigation
An on-scene investigation was conducted. The examination of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies, with one exception: the left magneto was found to be inoperative. No other mechanical or structural issues were identified.