Pilot Debrief

GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G 164A near Fairview, KS — 2014-07-18

Final reportCEN14LA375
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Date
2014-07-18
Location
Fairview, KS, USA
Aircraft
GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G 164A
Registration
N6743Q
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The backfire of the engine and its loss of power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while the airplane was cruising at 600 feet above ground level, the engine backfired and experienced a partial loss of power. He subsequently made an emergency landing to a road. During the landing, the engine experienced a total loss of power, and the airplane stalled, which resulted in a bounced hard landing. The airplane then slid sideways into a telephone pole, which resulted in damage to the wings and fuselage. Due to impact damage, an engine test run could not be conducted. The induction air filter was found distorted outward and opposite from the direction of normal airflow, which is indicative of an engine backfire. A postaccident engine examination revealed that the No. 2 cylinder oil control ring was broken. However, it could not be determined when the oil control ring was broken or if the engine backfiring allowed the ring to break. No other anomalies with the engine were noted. The reason for the engine backfire and subsequent loss of power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have diverted to an airport after initial power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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