Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power due to a failed supercharger/blower. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the airplane climb through 100 feet above ground level, the pilot 'heard a loud noise' accompanied by a 'complete' loss of power. During the ensuing forced landing to a soft, muddy field, the airplane rolled inverted. Inspection of the engine revealed a failed supercharger/blower.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 13, 1995, approximately 1305 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164A, N9041Q, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of power near Osceola Municipal Airport, Osceola, Arkansas. The commercial pilot was not injured. The agricultural airplane, owned by Agribatics Flying Service Inc., was operating under Title 14 CFR Part 137. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight. The pilot reported that, as the airplane was climbing through 100 feet above ground level, he "heard a loud noise" accompanied by a "complete" loss of power. During the forced landing, the aircraft's main landing gear "stuck" in the "mud" and the airplane came to rest inverted. The tail section and top wing sections were structurally damaged. Post accident examination of the engine, by the owner/operator, revealed a failed supercharger/blower. -