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Casualties unknown

Forced Landing Following Engine Failure During Aerial Application Flight (N8130K)

Ephrata, WA, US

On May 4, 2000, a Gulfstream-schweizer G-164B (registration N8130K) operated by The Cropduster Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Ephrata, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of engine power due to failure of the number three cylinder exhaust valve push rod. Soft terrain encountered during the landing roll-out was a factor. 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

During an aerial application flight, engine oil appeared on the windscreen, the engine backfired and quit, leading to a forced landing. The aircraft nosed over on soft terrain. Post-accident examination found a failed exhaust valve push rod.

Incident Overview

During a routine aerial application flight, the pilot observed engine oil appearing on the aircraft's windscreen. Shortly thereafter, the engine began to backfire and eventually ceased operation. The pilot executed a forced landing in an open field. During the landing roll-out, the aircraft encountered soft terrain and nosed over.

Post-Accident Examination

A post-accident examination of the aircraft's engine revealed that the exhaust valve push rod on the number three cylinder had failed.

Aircraft and Flight Details

The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, number of occupants, injuries, or damage items. The time of day, weather conditions, and involvement of air traffic control were not reported.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 May 2000 Gulfstream-schweizer G-164B accident near Ephrata, WA?

During an aerial application flight, engine oil appeared on the windscreen, the engine backfired and quit, leading to a forced landing. The aircraft nosed over on soft terrain. Post-accident examination found a failed exhaust valve push rod.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 May 2000 involved a Gulfstream-schweizer G-164B, registration N8130K, operated by The Cropduster Inc, at Ephrata, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of engine power due to failure of the number three cylinder exhaust valve push rod. Soft terrain encountered during the landing roll-out was a factor.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21117. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.