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Agricultural Aircraft Noses Over After Forced Landing Following Engine Failure (N2LU)

Rayville, LA, US

On August 28, 2001, a Grumman G164B (registration N2LU) was involved in an aviation accident near Rayville, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the partial failure of the magneto drive coupling while maneuvering, which resulted in a loss of engine power and a forced landing. A contributing factor to the accident 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.

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

An aircraft performing aerial application experienced an engine malfunction, leading to a forced landing in a field. During rollout, the left main gear struck a mound, causing the aircraft to nose over. Examination revealed a partially sheared magneto drive coupling.

Incident Overview

An agricultural aircraft was conducting an aerial application operation when the engine began to malfunction. The pilot had been applying malathion to a field for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes when the engine started backfiring and running rough. Shortly thereafter, a loss of engine power occurred.

Forced Landing

The pilot executed a forced landing to a field. The airplane touched down and rolled approximately 200 feet before the left main gear encountered a small mound of grass and dirt. Subsequently, the aircraft nosed over.

Engine Examination

Post-incident examination of the engine revealed that the drive coupling on a magneto was partially sheared. No other mechanical anomalies were reported in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Aug 2001 Grumman G164B accident near Rayville, LA?

An aircraft performing aerial application experienced an engine malfunction, leading to a forced landing in a field. During rollout, the left main gear struck a mound, causing the aircraft to nose over. Examination revealed a partially sheared magneto drive coupling.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Aug 2001 involved a Grumman G164B, registration N2LU, at Rayville, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the partial failure of the magneto drive coupling while maneuvering, which resulted in a loss of engine power and a forced landing. A contributing factor to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for 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/20010830X01842. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.