Introduction
On June 7, 2012, a Grumman G-164B agricultural airplane, registration N779EF, experienced a partial loss of engine power shortly after takeoff, leading to a forced landing near Higginson, Arkansas. The aircraft, operated by J.P. Freppon Flying Service, LLC, of Bald Knob, Arkansas, was conducting an aerial application flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.
Accident Details
The flight originated from a local airstrip for an aerial application mission. At approximately 1315 central daylight time, while climbing through about 50 feet above ground level, the pilot noticed a partial loss of engine power accompanied by vibrations. He initiated a fertilizer dump and executed a forced landing to a field. The airplane came to rest upright in a wheat field, after which a postimpact fire consumed the aircraft. Visual flight rules (VFR) conditions prevailed, and no VFR flight plan was filed.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane. A small crack was found in the number five cylinder of the Pratt & Whitney R-1340 engine. The engine was not disassembled for further examination; therefore, it could not be determined whether the crack resulted from impact or preexisted. The pilot speculated that a magneto might have failed, but due to fire damage, the magnetos and accessories could not be tested. The specific reason for the partial loss of engine power remained undetermined.
Conclusion
The investigation did not identify a definitive cause for the partial loss of engine power. The aircraft was substantially damaged by the crash and subsequent fire, with the pilot escaping uninjured.