# NTSB FTW01LA177: Grumman-Schweizer G-164B, N542KG, Bunkie, LA, August 9, 2001

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 9, 2001, 09:15 local (14:15 UTC)
- Place: Bunkie, LA
- Coordinates: 30.949668, -92.180969 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.9497&lon=-92.1810&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 14, 2001
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: FAA FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 52984
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW01LA177
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/52984/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW01LA177

## Probable cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons while maneuvering.  A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, maneuvering
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, emergency landing
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

While returning to a private airstrip after dispensing a chemical load, the pilot reduced engine power to "slow the airplane [in order] to apply the dispersal pump brake."  When he reapplied power, the engine "made popping and sputtering noises."  The pilot initiated a forced landing to a clearing in a field; however, the airplane impacted trees approximately 30 feet prior to the clearing.  The fuel tanks were found compromised with fuel draining from them.  The FAA inspector stated that the propeller rotated, the spark plug leads were found broken, two cylinder heads were found separated, and an exhaust valve was found separated.  It was not determined if the separation of the cylinder heads occurred prior to or during the impact sequence.

## Factual narrative

On August 9, 2001, at 0915 central daylight time, a Grumman-Schweizer G-164B agricultural airplane, N542KG, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power while maneuvering near Bunkie, Louisiana.  The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant of the airplane, received minor injuries.  The airplane was registered to and operated by APC, Inc., of Bunkie, Louisiana.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight.  The pilot departed his private grass airstrip approximately 0900, and was returning at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported that after he finished dispensing a chemical load, he climbed to 200 feet agl and reduced engine power to "slow the airplane [in order] to apply the dispersal pump brake."  When he reapplied power, the engine "made popping and sputtering noises."  The pilot initiated a forced landing to a clearing in a field; however, the airplane impacted trees approximately 30 feet prior to the clearing.

According to the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, the wings and fuselage were substantially damaged, approximately half of the engine was found buried in the ground, and the fuel tanks were found compromised with fuel draining from them.

On September 20, 2001, the engine was examined by the FAA inspector and the operator.  The inspector stated that the propeller rotated, the spark plug leads were found broken, two cylinder heads were found separated, and an exhaust valve was found separated.  It was not determined if the separation of the cylinder heads occurred prior to or during the impact sequence.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N542KG](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N542KG-2002-01-14), registration cancelled 2002-01-14, S/N 256B, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Grumman-Schweizer G-164B
- Registry model: [Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164B](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-acft-eng-cor-schweizer-g-164b) (registry code 3952802) (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: 256B
- Airframe hours: 9000
- Engines: P&W R985 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: APC Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 11, 2001, 105 hours before
- Departed: PVT, Bunkie, LA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; injuries: minor; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; last flight review April 27, 2000; seat: center; flight hours: 2,089 total, 589 in this make and model, 2,015 as pilot in command, 75 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 45° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 20010809022769A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010809022769A), Aug 9, 2001: Scwzer G164B, Bunkie, LA, No damage. (-23) The pilot was maneuvering the aircraft in a climb to slow sprayer pump, as the aircraft leveled and power was supplied to the engine, the engine back…

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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