No fatalities

Grumman G-164B Landing Accident at O'Brien Flying Service Airport (N8400K)

Iowa, LA, United States

On May 4, 2016, a GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G 164B (registration N8400K) operated by O'BRIENS FLYING SERVICE INC was involved in an aviation accident near Iowa, LA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing with an inoperative right brake. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

On May 4, 2016, a Grumman G-164B (N8400K) sustained substantial damage during landing at LA71 after the right brake failed and the airplane drifted left, impacting a fence. The pilot was not injured.

Accident Overview

On May 4, 2016, at approximately 1130 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164B airplane, registration N8400K, was substantially damaged during a landing at O'Brien Flying Service Airport (LA71), Ames, Louisiana. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The aircraft was owned and operated by O'Briens Flying Service, Inc., under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137, conducting aerial spraying operations.

Flight History

The local flight departed a private airport at about 1110. The pilot had been performing spray operations since 0730 that day. During an attempted landing at a private satellite airport, the pilot noticed that the right brake was not functioning. He executed a go-around and diverted to LA71, intending to use a longer and wider runway.

Landing and Impact

While landing on Runway 3, the airplane drifted left during the rollout. The pilot applied full engine power in an unsuccessful attempt to correct the aircraft back to the centerline. Subsequently, the airplane impacted a fence, causing damage to both wings.

Examination Findings

An examination by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors revealed a failure of the right main landing gear hydraulic fluid line. The failure occurred at the b-nut for the engine cowl feed through fitting. The part number for the failed line was Right Hand Tube Assembly, P/N A2526-4.

Contributing factors

Pilot

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 May 2016 GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G 164B accident near Iowa, LA?

On May 4, 2016, a Grumman G-164B (N8400K) sustained substantial damage during landing at LA71 after the right brake failed and the airplane drifted left, impacting a fence. The pilot was not injured.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 May 2016 GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G 164B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 May 2016 involved a GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G 164B, registration N8400K, operated by O'BRIENS FLYING SERVICE INC, at Iowa, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing with an inoperative right brake.