# NTSB FTW84LA262: Grumman G-164A, N8661H, Bell City, LA, June 1, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 1, 1984, 15:50 local (20:50 UTC)
- Place: Bell City, LA
- Coordinates: 30.110206, -92.960456 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.1102&lon=-92.9605&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21359
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW84LA262
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21359/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW84LA262

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - propeller system/accessories,pitch change mech - failure,total (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - load jettison - performed, pilot in command
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)

## Analysis

A PROPELLER COUNTERWEIGHT BEARING SHAFT FAILED AFTER TAKEOFF AT MAX GROSS WEIGHT. A VIBRATION OCCURRED & THE PLT BEGAN DUMPING HIS LOAD, BUT HE WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE. THE AIRCRAFT LANDED IN SOFT MUD AND NOSED OVER WHEN IT COLLIDED WITH A RICE LEVEE BANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8661H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8661H-2017-08-23), registration cancelled 2017-08-23, S/N 1453, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN G-164A
- Registry model: [Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164A](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-acft-eng-cor-schweizer-g-164a) (registry code 3952801) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1453
- Airframe hours: 4475
- Engines: P&W R-1340 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Obrien Flying Service, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: BELL CITY, LA

## 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: front; flight hours: 12,000 total, 6,000 in this make and model, 150 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 135° at 7 knots, gusting 7
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19840601023899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840601023899A), Jun 1, 1984: Scwzer G164A, Bell City, LA, Substantial damage. Aircraft crashed during emergency landing after prop govenor failure.

## Other investigations on N8661H (2)

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 FTW04CA246](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04CA246), Sep 28, 2004: Grumman G-164A (N8661H), Gilbert, LA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The failure of a piston connecting rod for undetermined reasons resulting in the loss of engine power. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
- [NTSB FTW75FRD52](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW75FRD52), May 15, 1975: Grumman G-164A (N8661H), Iowa, LA, substantial damage

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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