ATL97LA011

The pilot was on the turnaround of the fourth swath run when he experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot selected a forced landing area, he dumped the load, and established an approach to the field. As the pilot continued the approach, he realized that he could not make the field, therefore he decided to land the airplane in the tops of trees. He slowed the airplane to five miles per hour above the stall speed and settled into the trees. The subsequent examination of the engine assembly failed to disclose a mechanical problem, however, the review of engine maintenance information disclosed that the engine had been in service for 2033 hours since the last overhaul. The recommended time between overhauls is 1200 hours; this is not a mandatory requirement. A review of weather data disclosed that conditions were favorable for the formation of carburetor ice.

On October 31, 1996, at 0700 central standard time, a Grumman G-164B, N6756K, collided with trees while maneuvering for a forced landing near Abbeville, Alabama. The aerial application flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 137 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the commercial rated pilot was not injured. The flight departed Shorterville, Alabama, at 0645.

According to the operator, the pilot was on the turnaround of the fourth swath run when he experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot selected a forced landing area near the field where the spraying operation was being conducted. The pilot stated that he dumped the his load and established an approach to the field. As the pilot continued the approach, he realized that he could not make the field, therefore he decided to land the airplane in the tops of trees. He slowed the airplane to five miles per hour above the stall speed and settled into the trees.

The subsequent examination of the engine assembly failed to disclose a mechanical problem, however, the review of engine maintenance information disclosed that the engine had been in service for 2033 hours since the last overhaul. The recommended time between overhauls is 1200 hours; this is not a mandatory requirement. A review of weather data disclosed that conditions were favorable for the formation of carburetor ice.