Primary finding
Probable cause
loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s). A factor relating to the accident was: a ditch in the field where the forced landing was executed.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While returning from an aerial application flight, the turbine-powered Grumman G-164A experienced a complete loss of power. The pilot made a successful touchdown in an open field, but the aircraft encountered a ditch during the landing roll. When the aircraft impacted the ditch, it sustained substantial damage. The cause of the power loss was not determined.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 3, 1996, approximately 0800 mountain daylight time, a turbine-powered Grumman-Schweizer G-164A "Ag-Cat", N9853, registered to and being flown by a commercial pilot, sustained substantial damage when the aircraft impacted a ditch during the landing roll following a loss of power approximately 10 nautical miles southwest of Belgrade, Montana. The pilot reportedly was uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which had been engaged in aerial application and was returning at the end of a spray run, was to have been operated under 14CFR137. The pilot reported to an FAA inspector that while in cruise fight, the aircraft's engine began to stream white smoke and power was lost shortly thereafter. The pilot executed a forced landing in an open field, but during the landing roll, the aircraft impacted a ditch and sustained substantial damage. A post-accident investigation did not determine the reason for the loss of power. -