Incident Overview
On March 17, 2015, at approximately 1430 central standard time, a Grumman G-164A airplane (registration N9755) performed a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power near New Roads, Louisiana. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The airplane incurred substantial damage.
Flight Details
The aircraft was registered to a private individual and operated by Old River Applicators LLC under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight operated without a flight plan.
Sequence of Events
According to information provided by the responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, as the pilot was maneuvering to commence an aerial application run, smoke from the engine entered the cockpit, followed by a loss of engine power. The pilot conducted a forced landing to a field. Upon landing, the airplane nosed over, resulting in damage to the vertical stabilizer.
Engine Examination
An examination of the airplane's engine by the FAA found three cylinders with stuck exhaust valves and zero to low compression values.