No fatalities

Engine Power Loss During Agricultural Positioning Results in Off-Airport Landing (N6656Q)

Cuthbert, GA, US

On November 11, 1998, a Grumman-schweizer G164B (registration N6656Q) operated by Thrash Viation Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Cuthbert, GA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The fatigue failure of the accessory gear shaft which resulted in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power. A factors was the fuel system filter restriction. 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

While positioning for agricultural operations, the aircraft experienced engine power loss, leading to an emergency landing in a field. It struck tree stumps and nosed over. Examination revealed a fatigue fracture in the fuel control gearshaft and clogged fuel filters.

Incident Overview

During positioning for agricultural operations, the pilot reported a loss of engine power. The pilot executed an off-airport emergency landing in a field.

Emergency Landing

The aircraft collided with tree stumps during the landing and subsequently nosed over.

Engine and Fuel System Examination

Post-incident examination of the engine revealed a fatigue fracture in the fuel control gearshaft. Additionally, both the fuselage and engine fuel filters were found to be clogged.

Certification Issues

It was discovered that no Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) had been obtained for the installation of the engine into this airplane.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Nov 1998 Grumman-schweizer G164B accident near Cuthbert, GA?

While positioning for agricultural operations, the aircraft experienced engine power loss, leading to an emergency landing in a field. It struck tree stumps and nosed over. Examination revealed a fatigue fracture in the fuel control gearshaft and clogged fuel filters.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Nov 1998 Grumman-schweizer G164B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Nov 1998 involved a Grumman-schweizer G164B, registration N6656Q, operated by Thrash Viation Inc., at Cuthbert, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The fatigue failure of the accessory gear shaft which resulted in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power. A factors was the fuel system filter restriction.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11366. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.