Primary finding
Probable cause
A power loss due to cracked engine cylinder. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
As the pilot made a spray pass over a rice field the engine began backfiring, then lost power. The pilot jettisoned the chemical and attempted to land on a dirt road. The airplane collided with trees as he maneuvered for landing. Post accident engine examination revealed a crack in the number 4 cylinder near the exhaust valve.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 10, 1994, approximately 0900 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164B, N8251K, was destroyed when it collided with trees during a forced landing near Matagorda, Texas. The airline transport-rated pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The following is based on a telephone conversation with the operator and the pilot/operator report. The pilot was engaged in an aerial application operation. As he made a spray pass over a rice field, the engine began backfiring and lost power. The pilot jettisoned the chemical and attempted to land on a dirt road. The airplane collided with trees as he maneuvered for landing. According to the operator, post-accident engine examination revealed a crack in the number 4 cylinder near the exhaust valve. -