2019 Schweizer G-164B Accident Near Sutter, California (N3630D)

Accident Overview and Flight Details On May 5, 2019, at 1006 Pacific daylight time, a Schweizer Aircraft Corporation G-164B airplane, registration N3630D, was substantially damaged in an accident near Sutter, California. The aircraft was operating as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The pilot reported no injuries. According to the pilot, the aircraft had completed 17 takeoffs that day before departing a gravel runway to the south. At departure, the aircraft carried approximately 45 gallons of Jet-A fuel and 2,500 pounds of fertilizer. The pilot climbed to a cruise altitude of about 500 feet above ground level, setting the power to 36 pounds of torque and the propeller to 2,000 rpm. Fifteen seconds after establishing cruise flight, and about one minute into the flight, the engine speed reduced to idle power without any control inputs from the pilot, causing the aircraft to descend immediately. After an unsuccessful attempt to add power by advancing the throttle, the pilot jettisoned the fertilizer load and initiated a forced landing to a nearby road. The aircraft landed short of the road, impacted a group of prune trees, and came to rest. The pilot noted that the engine continued to run at idle power, approximately 52% Ng, after the aircraft came to rest. Photographs provided by the operator revealed substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.