On September 25, 1998, a Grumman G-164A (registration N983X) was involved in an aviation accident near Mart, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. 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.
A commercial pilot executed a forced landing after a complete engine power loss at 300 feet AGL, seven to eight miles northeast of the operator's airstrip. The engine made a loud pop and vibrated severely before losing power. The aircraft came to rest upright on a fence. Investigation found no entries in the engine logbooks contributing to the loss, and the reason could be determined.
Accident Details
A commercial pilot experienced a complete loss of engine power while en route back to the operator's private airstrip. The aircraft was flying at an altitude of 300 feet above ground level, approximately seven to eight miles northeast of the airstrip, when the engine emitted a 'loud pop' and began to vibrate severely. Within three to four seconds, the engine lost all power. The pilot subsequently executed a forced landing to a field. Upon touchdown, the aircraft came to rest upright on a fence.
Investigation Findings
A review of the engine logbooks revealed no entries that would have contributed to the loss of engine power. The specific cause of the power loss could be determined.