Event Details
On August 6, 2008, approximately 0700 mountain daylight time, a Grumman G-164A, registration N7487, operated by Doyles Ag Services, sustained substantial damage when it nosed over on soft terrain following a loss of engine power while maneuvering near Walsh, Colorado. The pilot, a commercial pilot, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The aerial application flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 137 without a flight plan. The local flight had originated from Springfields (8V7), Colorado, about 0630.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that he was spraying a corn field southeast of Walsh. During an aerial application pass, a cylinder on the engine cracked—he described it as "blew a cylinder"—and the engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing in a nearby field. As the airplane crossed a road at a speed of approximately 25 mph, the tail bounced upward. After crossing the road, the main tires settled into soft earth, causing the airplane to nose over.
Damage
The accident resulted in a bent propeller and minor top wing damage. Additionally, the vertical stabilizer was crushed.
Aircraft and Operator
The Grumman G-164A (registration N7487) was owned and operated by Doyles Ag Services. The flight was an aerial application operation. No other injuries or damage were reported.