Pilot Debrief

Grumman G164 near Berlin, MD — 2019-09-08

Final reportERA19LA267
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Date
2019-09-08
Location
Berlin, MD, USA
Airport
4MD1
Aircraft
Grumman G164
Registration
N8386K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The malfunction of the No. 9 pushrod, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was departing on the first flight of the day to conduct aerial seeding. After takeoff, he noticed that the engine began to vibrate, but the rpm seemed normal. He made a right turn and the engine started to lose power and then "quit." The pilot conducted a forced landing in a cornfield, during which the airplane nosed over, and a post-crash fire ensued. Examination of the engine revealed the No. 9 pushrod was stuck in the open position and the gland seal was brittle. Review of the maintenance logbooks revealed that the No. 9 pushrod was removed, and the gland seal was replaced on the day of the accident before the accident flight. It is likely that since the No. 9 valve was stuck in the open position, it caused the cylinder to lose compression and power in flight.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after noticing engine vibration.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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