GRUMMAN G 164 near Anadarko, OK — 2014-06-20

Final reportCEN14LA319

Date: 2014-06-20
Location: Anadarko, OK, USA
Aircraft: GRUMMAN G 164
Registration: N455Y
Category: Airplane
Highest injury: Minor
Fatalities: 0
Phase of flight: Initial climb

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power while climbing after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot reported that, on the day before the accident, a mechanic had replaced the radial engine's magneto seals. The pilot performed a successful magneto check and run-up after the magneto seal installation. On the day after the maintenance (accident flight), the engine run-up was normal, and a successful magneto check was performed before takeoff. The agricultural airplane took off with a load of chemicals from a private airstrip. While the airplane was climbing, the engine began to lose power, and as the pilot turned back to the airstrip, the engine lost all power. When the airplane was about 100 ft above the ground, the pilot chose to land the airplane in a small open field. He reported that he thought that the airplane was beginning to stall as he pulled the throttle all the way back and pushed the stick forward. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground and flipped over. Review of available engine logbooks did not show any anomalies that would have led to the loss of engine power. The engine was not examined, and the reason for the loss of power could not be determined.