Accident Overview
On September 8, 2009, at approximately 0830 Mountain Daylight Time, a Grumman G-164A (registration N6761Q) was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Kimball, Nebraska. The commercial pilot, who was conducting an aerial application flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Flight History
The flight originated from Western Nebraska Regional Airport/William B. Heilig Field (KBFF) in Scottsdale, Nebraska, at 0745. According to the pilot's statement, the airplane was maneuvering for the final pass of an aerial application when the turboprop engine lost power and backfired several times. Engine power surged intermittently before the pilot activated the emergency fuel shut-off handle and initiated a forced landing. The aircraft overshot the intended landing area, colliding with a fence and terrain before coming to rest upright.
Damage and Inspection
Substantial damage was sustained to the fuselage. An inspection by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the engine oil supply line was disconnected. Further examination of the oil line fitting showed signatures consistent with improper thread engagement during installation. No anomalies were found in the airframe.