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Pilot Reports Manifold Pressure Drop and Fire After Forced Landing in Corn Field (N6598K)

Atlantic, IA, US

On September 3, 2001, a Grumman-schweizer G-164B (registration N6598K) was involved in an aviation accident near Atlantic, IA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during the takeoff and initial climb, and the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing. Factors relating to this accident were the corn crop and the low altitude. 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 takeoff from Atlantic, Iowa, a pilot experienced a drop in manifold pressure from 34 to 28 inches, leading to a forced landing in a corn field. After stopping, a fire erupted on the left cowling; the pilot evacuated before a fireball. Post-accident examination found no anomalies.

Flight Details

The pilot reported taking off from runway 12 at Atlantic, Iowa. The runway is 3,911 feet long by 75 feet wide and consists of dry asphalt. After departure, the pilot proceeded south.

Engine Performance During Takeoff

During the takeoff roll, the engine attained 2,100 rpm and 34 inches of manifold pressure. When the airplane lifted off, the manifold pressure dropped to 30 inches, and subsequently decreased further to 28 inches.

Forced Landing

Faced with the declining manifold pressure, the pilot elected to land in a corn field. However, he was unable to clear trees that were ahead of him, resulting in a landing within the field.

Post-Accident Fire

After the airplane came to a stop, the pilot noticed a fire coming from the left side of the airplane at the cowling. He exited the airplane and walked away. Subsequently, a fireball occurred.

Examination

An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Sept 2001 Grumman-schweizer G-164B accident near Atlantic, IA?

During takeoff from Atlantic, Iowa, a pilot experienced a drop in manifold pressure from 34 to 28 inches, leading to a forced landing in a corn field. After stopping, a fire erupted on the left cowling; the pilot evacuated before a fireball. Post-accident examination found no anomalies.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Sept 2001 Grumman-schweizer G-164B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Sept 2001 involved a Grumman-schweizer G-164B, registration N6598K, at Atlantic, IA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during the takeoff and initial climb, and the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing. Factors relating to this accident were the corn crop and the low altitude.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010907X01891. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.