Primary finding
Probable cause
Failure of the mounting studs for the No. 4 cylinder, which resulted in separation of the cylinder and loss of engine power. The lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing was a related factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During an aerial application flight, the studs for the No. 4 cylinder failed, and the cylinder separated from the engine. All engine power was lost. While making a forced landing in a field, the aircraft nosed over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 18, 1996, about 1800 eastern daylight time, a Grumman G164A, N4238, registered to and operated by Sowega Flying Service, nosed over while making a forced landing in a field near Edison, Georgia, following loss of engine power, while on a 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the commercial-rated pilot received minor injuries. The flight originated from the Sowega Air Strip, Edison, Georgia, about 20 minutes before the accident. The pilot stated that during an aerial application run the mounting studs for the No. 4 cylinder failed and the cylinder separated from the engine. The engine lost all power. While making a forced landing in a plowed field, the aircraft nosed over. -