On August 9, 2005, a Grumman G-164 (registration N9041Q) operated by Corning Farm Supply, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Knobel, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power due to the failure of the #1 cylinder head. 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.
During an aerial application pass, a commercial pilot heard a pop and the engine began missing. The forced landing attempt fell short, resulting in a bounce and nose-over. Examination revealed a cracked and separated cylinder head.
Incident Overview
A commercial pilot with 1,013 hours of flight experience was completing the final aerial application pass before returning for another load when he heard a "pop" and the engine began missing. The pilot immediately lined up for a forced landing on a grass strip approximately a quarter of a mile away.
Impact Sequence
The aircraft impacted the ground about 200 yards short of the intended airstrip. Upon impact, the airplane bounced once before striking the muddy field and nosing over.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the radial engine revealed that the number one cylinder head had cracked and separated from the barrel.