Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary FTW93LA215

MCCRORY, AR, USA

Aircraft #1

N9780

GRUMMAN G-164A

Analysis

AN AGRICULTURAL PILOT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AS THE AIRPLANE ROTATED FOR TAKEOFF. THE PILOT WAS NOT ABLE TO CLEAR A WILLOW TREE AND A DITCH AT THE END OF THE STRIP. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE LOSS OF POWER WAS THE RESULT OF THE FAILURE OF THE NUMBER THREE CYLINDER.

Factual Information

On July 12, 1993, at 1900 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164A, N9780, was substantially damaged upon impact with terrain during a forced landing near McCrory, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight. The pilot stated that a loss of engine power was experienced as the aircraft was breaking ground during the takeoff roll. Due to the short length of the airstrip and the barriers at the end of the strip, the pilot felt that aborting the takeoff was not an available option. The pilot broke ground but was not able to clear a willow tree and a ditch at the departure end of the strip. Examination of the engine by the Federal Aviation Administration inspector confirmed that the loss of power was the result of the failure of the number three cylinder assembly. The wreckage was released to the operator at the accident site.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO CYLINDER FAILURE. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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