On May 17, 2002, a Grumman-schweizer G-164A (registration N48533) was involved in an aviation accident near Hathaway, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the loss of engine power could not be determined due to insufficient evidence. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An agricultural aircraft lost engine power immediately after takeoff, resulting in a forced landing in a rice field where the plane nosed over and came to rest inverted.
What happened
The incident occurred during the initial climb phase of flight for an agricultural airplane. According to the pilot's account, the aircraft began to settle shortly after pulling up from the runway. In response to the loss of altitude, the pilot applied full power; however, the engine did not respond, and the descent continued unabated.
The pilot executed a forced landing in an adjacent rice field. Upon impact with the ground, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position. No further details regarding the extent of damage or injuries were provided in the source material.
The investigation
A formal mechanical examination or technical analysis of the engine and airframe was not detailed in the available records. The investigation focused primarily on the pilot's narrative of events leading up to the crash.
Probable cause
The cause of the loss of engine power could not be determined due to insufficient evidence.