Accident Overview
On July 3, 2008, at approximately 1300 central daylight time, a single-engine Grumman G-164 agricultural airplane, registration N520Y, was destroyed during a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power. The accident occurred near Stotesbury, Missouri. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant and also the operator, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 agricultural flight.
Narrative
According to the pilot, about one hour after takeoff, the engine lost partial power. Unable to maintain level flight, the pilot elected to land in a corn field. During the landing, the main landing gear collapsed. The airplane came to rest in an upright position, and the pilot was able to exit the airplane unassisted. Moments later, the airplane was engulfed in a post-crash fire.
Findings
The operator later reported that the partial loss of engine power was due to a fracture in the number eight cylinder barrel below the spark plug holes.