Casualties unknown

2002-03-28: Grumman-schweizer G-164B (N8498K) — Ferriday, LA

Ferriday, LA, US

On March 28, 2002, a Grumman-schweizer G-164B (registration N8498K) was involved in an aviation accident near Ferriday, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the number three cylinder exhaust rocker arm, resulting in a total loss of engine power. A contributing 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported engine power loss during a spray run, leading to a forced landing in a cotton field. The aircraft flipped over and came to rest inverted. Examination revealed a broken exhaust rocker arm on the #3 cylinder.

Accident Details

According to the pilot's report, the engine began to experience intermittent power loss—described as "popping"—shortly after completing a spray run and turning back toward the field. The power loss progressed until the engine went dead entirely. The pilot executed a forced landing in the open cotton field that was being sprayed. During the landing, the aircraft encountered soft terrain, causing it to flip over and come to rest inverted.

Engine Examination

A post-accident examination of the engine was conducted. The inspection revealed that the exhaust rocker arm on the #3 cylinder had broken approximately two-thirds of the way around the assembly. No further anomalies were noted in the examination report.

No other details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, occupants, injuries, or environmental conditions were provided in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020401X00434. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.