# NTSB DEN85LA173: Grumman G-164A, N5337, Deming, NM, June 22, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 22, 1985, 08:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Deming, NM
- Coordinates: 32.25946, -107.750503 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.2595&lon=-107.7505&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): 16712
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN85LA173
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16712/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA173

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - propeller governor control - failure,total (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - propeller system/accessories - improper (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - load jettison - performed, pilot in command
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PLT TOLD FAA HE WAS SPRAYING A COTTON FIELD AND WAS TURNING AROUND FROM A SWATH RUN WHEN THE PROPELLER FEATHERED. THE PLT TOLD NTSB THAT THE ACFT 'PITCHED UPWARD AND LOST POWER.' ACFT TYPE CERTIFICATE SHOWS THAT A HAMILTON STANDARD PROPELLER M/N 2D30/6101A-12-13-14 IS INSTALLED. PROPELLER REMOVED FROM ACFT WAS A HARTZELL M/N HCB3W30-2B, AN UNAPPROVED INSTALLATION. PROP DISASSEMBLY REVEALED A SPACER HAD BEEN PLACED IN RING ASSEMBLY, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR PROP TO FEATHER. BLADE CLAMPS INSIDE PROP HUB WEE BROKEN. NO. 1 BLADE WAS IN FEATHERED POSITION, NO. 2 BLADE WAS NEAR FEATHER, AND NO. 3 BLADE WAS PAST FEATHER. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF AN OIL LOSS OR PROP GOVERNOR FAILURE/MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5337](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5337), registered now, S/N 628 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN G-164A
- Registry model: [Grumman G-164A](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-g-164a) (registry code 3952704) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R-985 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r-985-series) (registry code 52008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 628
- Airframe hours: 4102
- Engines: P&W R-985-AN1 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Walter L. Bennett
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, February 18, 1985, 61 hours before
- Departed: DEMING, NM

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 1,474 total, 1,474 in this make and model, 1,390 as pilot in command, 150 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DMN, 8 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 19850622069949A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850622069949A), Jun 22, 1985: Scwzer G164A, Deming, NM, Substantial damage. Unapproved propeller partially feathered after swath run. Flipped over in field. Many discrepancies in aircraft.

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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