Pilot Debrief

GRUMMAN SCHWEIZER G-164 near Palmer, KS — 2017-04-17

Final reportCEN17LA163
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Date
2017-04-17
Location
Palmer, KS, USA
Aircraft
GRUMMAN SCHWEIZER G-164
Registration
N9533
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A crack in the cylinder of the radial engine, which resulted in a loss of engine power and a forced landing on unsuitable terrain.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot stated that he was conducting an aerial application flight when he heard two "pop" sounds and the engine lost power. The pilot continued flying about 1/3 of a mile before being forced to land. He turned left to avoid a fence and landed in a newly planted wheat field, during which the airplane rolled over five terraces before it spun 180° and came to a stop. The airplane sustained damage to the propeller/engine, right lower wing, and firewall. Examination of the radial engine revealed a crack on an engine cylinder located at the 3 o'clock position of the engine. According to logbook entries, an airworthiness directive regarding a visual inspection for cylinder cracks was completed at the most recent annual inspection, about 37 hours before the accident. It could not be determined if the crack was not detected during the most recent inspection or if it originated after the inspection.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have conducted a precautionary landing after first engine 'pop' sound.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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