Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain to perform a forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the initial climb the engine lost power and the pilot attempted a landing in the only available area, a rice paddy. During the landing roll the main landing gear sank into the mud and the aircraft nosed over to the inverted position.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 25, 1994, at approximately 1335 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164B N8092K, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Pollard, Arkansas. The commercial rated pilot was not injured. Weather for the 14 CFR 137 aerial application flight was visual meteorological conditions. The pilot reported that during takeoff initial climb he lost all engine power. He elected to land in the only available area, a wet and soft rice field. During the landing roll the aircraft nosed over to the inverted position, sustaining damage to the empennage. An examination of the engine by the operator did not reveal any anomalies. Repeated attempts to obtain an NTSB Form 6120.1/2 (Pilot/Operator Report) were not successful. -