MATAGORDA, TX, USA
N8251K
GRUMMAN G-164B
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.
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.
A POWER LOSS DUE TO CRACKED ENGINE CYLINDER. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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