Primary finding
Probable cause
The failure of the engine supercharger assembly, which resulted in a loss of engine power. A factor was the trees at the forced landing site.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during an aerial application maneuver, the engine lost power and quit. Oil spray was observed on the windshield shortly following the loss of power. He attempted a forced landing, and the aircraft collided with a peach tree, resulting in structural damage to the airframe. The operator reported that the supercharger assembly failed, resulting in the loss of power.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 25, 1993, at about 1111 central daylight time, a Grumman G164A, N8373, was substantially damaged following a reported loss of engine power near Ashford, Alabama. The commercial pilot was not injured. The aircraft was operated under 14 CFR Part 137 by Howell Cropdusters, Inc., of Bainbridge, Georgia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the local, aerial application flight. The flight originated in Bainbridge at about 1200 eastern daylight time. The pilot reported that he was performing an aerial application maneuver when the engine quit. He observed oil spray on the windscreen after the engine lost power. While attempting a forced landing, the aircraft collided with a peach tree and was structurally damaged. The operator reported that the engine quit due to a failure of the supercharger assembly. The operator did not comply with 49 CFR Part 830, requiring the completion of NTSB Form 6120.1/2 (Pilot/Operator Report). -