# NTSB CHI85LA360: Schweizer G164A "450", N8444K, Constantine, MI, August 29, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 29, 1985, 17:50 local (21:50 UTC)
- Place: Constantine, MI
- Coordinates: 41.829994, -85.660087 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.8300&lon=-85.6601&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13199
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA360
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13199/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA360

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, maneuvering - aerial application
  - exhaust system,turbocharger - failure,total (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT NOSED OVER DURING A FORCED LANDING IN A CORN FLD. THE PLT STATED THAT AT 30 FT AGL DURING HIS SECOND SWATH RUN THE ENG BACKFIRED AND LOST PWR. HE ATTEMPTED TO DUMP THE LOAD HOWEVER, THE ACFT CONTINUED TO LOOSE ALT AND THE FORCED LANDING RESULTED. EXAMINATION DISCLOSED THE SUPERCHARGER FAILED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8444K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8444K), registered now, S/N 716 B, built 1983 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER G164A "450" (G164A "450)
- 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: 716B
- Airframe hours: 856
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: R. E. Lutes
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 1985, 271 hours before
- Departed: M175, CONSTANTINE, MI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 6,850 total, 3,400 in this make and model, 6,730 as pilot in command, 260 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F

## 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 19850829041829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850829041829A), Aug 29, 1985: Scwzer G164B, Constantine, MI, Substantial damage. After seeding pass engine backfired and lost power. Nosed over in soft field. Supercharger had failed.

## Other investigations on N8444K (1)

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.

- [NTSB CHI02LA238](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI02LA238), Aug 7, 2002: Schweizer G-164B (N8444K), Sturgis, MI, substantial damage. Probable cause: The failure of the turbine section of the engine, and the unsuitable terrain encountered for the forced landing. The low altitude was a factor.

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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