Pilot Debrief

SCHWEIZER G-164B near Buttonwillow, CA — 2009-02-12

Final reportWPR09CA114
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Date
2009-02-12
Location
Buttonwillow, CA, USA
Aircraft
SCHWEIZER G-164B
Registration
N3626T
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to the number four cylinder base nuts becoming loose, allowing the cylinder to detach from the engine case. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impaired visibility due to smoke during the forced landing.

NTSB narrative

While en route to an agriculture application job, the airplane's engine exhaust started shaking, then smoke started coming off the engine. The pilot landed on a farm road. During the landing his visibility was limited by the smoke, and the right wheel went off the road into soft mud. The airplane swerved to the right and nosed over. Examination of the engine disclosed that the number four cylinder base nuts had backed off, allowing the cylinder to separate from the engine case.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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