CEN14LA375

The pilot reported that, while the airplane was cruising at 600 feet above ground level, the engine backfired and experienced a partial loss of power. He subsequently made an emergency landing to a road. During the landing, the engine experienced a total loss of power, and the airplane stalled, which resulted in a bounced hard landing. The airplane then slid sideways into a telephone pole, which resulted in damage to the wings and fuselage. Due to impact damage, an engine test run could not be conducted. The induction air filter was found distorted outward and opposite from the direction of normal airflow, which is indicative of an engine backfire. A postaccident engine examination revealed that the No. 2 cylinder oil control ring was broken. However, it could not be determined when the oil control ring was broken or if the engine backfiring allowed the ring to break. No other anomalies with the engine were noted. The reason for the engine backfire and subsequent loss of power could not be determined.

On July 18, 2014, about 0845 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164A airplane, N6743Q, made a forced landing on a road following a loss of engine power near Fairview, Kansas. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to and operated by Precision Aerial Ag LLC, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a positioning flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight departed the Amelia Earhart Airport (K59), Atchison, Kansas, at 0830 and was en route to the Sabetha Municipal Airport (K83), Sabetha, Kansas. According to the pilot's statement, he was ferrying the airplane and was cruising at 600 feet above ground level. The airplane's engine began to "backfire very loudly" and experienced a partial loss of power. He descended and lined up to land on a rural road; he noticed a car on the road so he circled over a field and attempted to landing on the road again. During the landing, the engine experienced a total loss of power and the airplane stalled, which resulted in a bounced hard landing. According to the responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, after landing the airplane slid sideways into a telephone pole which resulted in damage to the wings and fuselage. One of the two propeller blades had a slight bend. Due to impact damage the engine was not able to be test run. The engine continuity was confirmed as the crankshaft rotated without obstruction. The fuel tanks contained fuel. The magnetos both rotated freely and produced a spark. The induction air filter was protruding outward and opposite from the direction of normal airflow. One of the rocker box covers sustained impact damage. No other anomalies were noted on scene. The airplane was recovered to a storage facility for examination by the FAA inspector and an engine mechanic. On August 1, 2014, the inspector witnessed the removal of the No. 2 cylinder. The oil control ring in the cylinder was broken. The intake valve operated with no anomalies noted and did not display any damage. The induction air filter bracket and frame were distorted and the filter could not be removed. No other anomalies were noted with the engine. A review of the engine maintenance logbooks revealed that a major engine overhaul was completed on November 12, 1996. On February 4, 2014 an annual inspection was completed and determined to be in airworthy condition. On July 17, 2014 the No. 5 pushrod tube was resealed.