What happened
On 20 November 2003, a GRUMMAN G-164A, registration ZS-JEZ, was engaged in agricultural spraying operations near Hoopstad. The pilot had been conducting spray runs throughout the morning but had previously paused operations due to high winds. After resuming work, the pilot completed the first load of the afternoon and was mid-way through the second load when the engine began to exhibit unusual behavior.
The pilot reported smelling an odor similar to an electrical short-circuit, followed shortly by engine surging as the aircraft approached the edge of the field. In an attempt to maintain flight, the pilot applied full power and fine pitch to initiate a gentle climb, intending to land on a nearby road. However, the engine failed at an altitude of roughly 50ft AGL.
Seeking an alternative landing site, the pilot attempted to level the aircraft and land back in the field being sprayed. Due to the presence of trees in the immediate path, the aircraft entered a stall over the obstacles and struck the ground. Upon impact, the main landing gear sank into the soft earth, causing the aircraft to overturn and come to rest in an inverted position. The pilot escaped the wreckage without injury, though the aircraft sustained extensive damage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the engine and the sequence of events leading to the loss of power. Investigators reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history, noting that the operator held a valid Part 135 certificate. The most recent Maintenance Program Inspection (MPI) had been completed on 14 November 2003, with only 10.6 flying hours accumulated on the aircraft since that inspection.