On March 13, 2001, a Grumman G-164A (registration N5076) was involved in an aviation accident near Poplarville, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: a loss of engine power due to a cracked number 2 cylinder which resulted in a forced landing, subsequent impact with the runway, departure from the runway down an embankment, soft terrain and nose over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During initial climb, a pilot reported a loss of engine power at about 60 feet. The aircraft landed back on the runway but overran the remaining 200 feet, went down a steep embankment, and came to rest inverted. Engine examination revealed a cracked number 2 cylinder.
Incident Description
The flight departed and climbed to an altitude of approximately 60 feet above the ground. At that point, the pilot reported a loss of engine power. The pilot then executed a landing back on the departure runway. However, only about 200 feet of runway remained. The aircraft departed the end of the runway, went down a steep embankment, and its landing gear dug into soft ground. The airplane came to rest in an inverted position.
Engine Examination
A post-accident examination of the engine was conducted. The number 2 cylinder was found to have a crack at the forward spark plug opening. The crack extended all around the circumference of the cylinder and was also present at the intake valve. The crack had opened to approximately 1/8 of an inch. No other discrepancies were found in the remainder of the engine or its accessories. The fuel system was examined; fuel was present and no contamination was detected.