Pilot Debrief

GRUMMAN G-164A near El Campo, TX — 2011-08-18

Final reportCEN11LA556
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Date
2011-08-18
Location
El Campo, TX, USA
Aircraft
GRUMMAN G-164A
Registration
N6567
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

Separation of the No. 3 cylinder exhaust valve rocker arm, which resulted in a loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was about 2 miles from the departure airstrip when the engine lost power. The pilot began to dump the fertilizer load and landed straight ahead in a flooded rice field. Upon touchdown, the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. Examination of the engine revealed a crack radiating from the exhaust valve rocker box on the No. 3 cylinder, where the rocker arm bolt attaches to the rocker arm. The top of the rocker box separated, causing the rocker arm to fail.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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