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Engine Failure After Takeoff Leads to Forced Landing and Post-Crash Fire (N6736Q)

Enterprise, AL, US

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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Sept 1999 Grumman-schweizer G-164B accident near Enterprise, AL?

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.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Sept 1999 involved a Grumman-schweizer G-164B, registration N6736Q, at Enterprise, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19697. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.