Primary finding
Probable cause
A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the soft terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During an aerial application swath run the pilot experienced a complete loss of engine power. He selected an adjacent field and attempted a forced landing; during the landing the airplane nosed over. The examination of the airframe at the accident site and the subsequent engine teardown inspection failed to disclose a mechanical problem with the engine.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 20, 1994, at 1730 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164B, N48717, collided with the ground while attempting a forced landing near Ozark, Alabama. The aerial application flight operated under 14 CFR Part 137, with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial airframe damage; the pilot was not injured. The flight departed a pasture in Ozark at 1710 hours. According to the pilot, he was on a spraying swath run when he heard the engine surge twice, followed by a complete loss of engine power. The pilot selected a nearby field and attempted a forced landing; the airplane touched down on the soft ground and nosed over. Examination of the airplane at the accident site, and the engine during a subsequent engine teardown examination, failed to disclose a mechanical malfunction or component failure. -