On September 19, 1999, a Grumman-schweizer G-164B (registration N6736Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Enterprise, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the severity of the accident was the in-flight collision with a tree during the forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An agricultural pilot reported engine surging shortly after takeoff. While returning to the airport, he executed a 360-degree turn for spacing, during which the engine lost all power. The airplane collided with a tree and was destroyed by fire.
Narrative
According to the pilot, he departed Enterprise Airport with a full load of chemicals for aerial application to a nearby cotton field. Shortly after takeoff, the engine began to surge. He adjusted the propeller lever control to the 'high' position and turned the fuel boost pump 'on.' He elected to return to the airport and while on short final he observed another airplane pass beneath him. His airplane, although surging, had been producing sufficient power; therefore, he executed a left 360-degree turn for spacing. When the turn was nearly complete, the engine lost all power and he maneuvered for an open field. The airplane collided with a tree and then the ground.
Wreckage and Fire
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the wings, empennage, and fuselage were destroyed almost beyond recognition. The only recognizable portion of the engine was the power section, and the entire turbine section was destroyed. A fuel sample of the Jet-A fuel used in the airplane showed no visible evidence of contamination. The airplane and engine were consumed by fire.