On July 13, 2000, a Grumman-schweizer G-164B (registration N8151K) was involved in an aviation accident near Kaplan, LA. 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.
After completing his 12th application flight, the pilot was returning to the airstrip when the engine ran rough, popped, and quit. During the forced landing in a rice field, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Accident Overview
The pilot reported that he had just completed his 12th application flight of the day and was returning to the operator's airstrip. While in cruise flight at an altitude of 200 feet above ground level, the engine began to run rough, emit popping sounds, and then quit entirely.
Forced Landing and Outcome
Faced with a complete loss of engine power, the pilot executed a forced landing to a nearby rice field. During the landing, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Post-Accident Examination
After the accident, an examination of the airplane revealed that fuel was present in each of the wing fuel tanks. However, the reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.