Pilot Debrief

GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G-164 near Myakka, FL — 2016-03-14

Final reportERA16LA130
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Date
2016-03-14
Location
Myakka, FL, USA
Aircraft
GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G-164
Registration
N6654K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot of the agricultural application airplane reported that he was performing a short postmaintenance test flight to verify that the spray system was operating normally. The preflight inspection and takeoff were uneventful; however, during the initial climb, the pilot adjusted the throttle and propeller controls and the engine began to run "rough." Soon after, the engine experienced a total loss of power and the pilot elected to land the airplane straight ahead in a field. The airplane touched down in the field, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. An examination of the engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation; however, the carburetor could not be examined due to impact damage. Weather conditions were conducive to the development of serious icing at glide power; however, since the accident occurred just after takeoff and at a high engine power setting, it is unlikely that ice had accumulated in the carburetor. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on available evidence.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the takeoff after engine began to run rough.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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