Pilot Debrief

Grumman-Schweizer G-164A near East Bernard, TX — 2008-05-20

Final reportDEN08CA091
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Date
2008-05-20
Location
East Bernard, TX, USA
Aircraft
Grumman-Schweizer G-164A
Registration
N5083
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

Two engine cylinder exhaust valves stuck open for an undetermined reason, resulting in a loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot departed on an aerial application flight after refueling and being loaded with a full load of fertilizer. Outside air temperature was 103 degrees Fahrenheit. The pilot was flying his first application pass shortly after takeoff when the engine stopped developing full power due to low compression on two cylinders from malfunctioning exhaust valves. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude and the airplane impacted the ground, bending the left wing spar down and aft.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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