On June 19, 2003, an Allied AG Cat Productions, Inc G-164B (registration N8375K) operated by Bowman, Winston was involved in an aviation accident near Dyess, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loose fittings on the bleed air system which resulted in a loss of engine power, and the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Following a loss of engine power, a pilot attempted a forced landing on a private road but the aircraft flipped over in a water- and mud-filled rice field, sustaining substantial damage. Post-accident examination revealed loose components and O-ring debris in the engine.
Accident Overview
The aircraft sustained substantial damage after it flipped over in a rice field that was filled with water and mud. The event occurred following a loss of engine power and a subsequent forced landing.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that while flying at an altitude of approximately 500 feet above ground level, he observed a loss of engine power. He then attempted to land the airplane on a private road but was unable to stop before the aircraft departed the road and entered the adjacent rice field.
Engine Examination Findings
An examination of the engine revealed several issues. The fuel control unit's PY fitting at the fuel control unit was found to be not tight. Additionally, a black rubber-like substance was observed adhering to the bleed-off valve seat to gas generator-mating surface. This substance appeared to have originated from an O-ring. The O-ring packing material was discovered in the P3 air passageway, which allowed the valve to open to an undetermined extent from the gas generator case to the bleed-off valve (part number 3100829-03, serial number A-3843). Furthermore, two attach screws (part number MS9923-31) were observed to be loose.