# NTSB CHI00LA247: Schweizer G-164B, N3629D, Wallace, NE, August 8, 2000

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 8, 2000, 08:00 local (13:00 UTC)
- Place: Wallace, NE
- Coordinates: 40.830875, -101.159576 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.8309&lon=-101.1596&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 9, 2001
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 49941
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI00LA247
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/49941/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI00LA247

## Probable cause

the fractured number three exhaust push rod assembly and the unsuitable terrain encountered by the pilot.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, descent
  - engine assembly,push rod - fractured (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
- Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - encountered, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The agricultural airplane was returning to the airport after spraying a field when it nosed over during a forced landing.  The airplane experienced a mechanical loss of engine power.  The number 3 exhaust push rod assembly was found fractured.

## Factual narrative

On August 8, 2000, at 0800 central daylight time, a Schweizer G-164B, N3629D, operated by Wallace Flying Service Incorporated, was substantially damaged on impact with terrain, in Wallace, Nebraska, following a loss of engine power.  The airplane nosed over in a field during the forced landing.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed a the time of the accident.  The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was not operating on a flight plan.  The commercial pilot reported no injuries.  The local flight originated from the Wallace Municipal Airport, Wallace, Nebraska, at 0700.

The Federal Aviation Administration Inspector stated that during the engine test run, the engine (Pratt & Whitney R1340-AN1) would not hold an engine speed above 600 rpm.  Examination of the engine revealed that the number 3 cylinder exhaust rocker play was in the range of approximately 0.010-0.125 inches.  The top end of the number 3 push rod assembly (part number 11876) had fractured in the area where the tube slides into the end fitting.  Photos are included in this report.  The engine accumulated a total time of 5,187 hours and 182 hours since overhaul.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3629D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3629D), registered now, S/N 743B, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Schweizer G-164B
- Registry model: [Schweizer G-164B](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-g-164b) (registry code 8059055) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 743B
- Airframe hours: 5200
- Engines: P&W R1340-AN1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Wallace Flying Service Inc.
- Registered owner: Wallace Flying Service Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: 64V, NE
- Airport: 64V, Wallace Municipal Airport

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 9,942 total, 8,629 in this make and model, 9,809 as pilot in command, 250 in the last 90 days, 180 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 142 °F, dew point 138 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: LBF, 2 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20000808013909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20000808013909A), Aug 8, 2000: Scwzer G164B, Wallace, NE, No damage. (-23) N3629D, Schweizer G-164B, operated by Wallace flying service had completed a spray operation and was returning to the airport when the engine lost power.…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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