# NTSB FTW90DRD04: Grumman G-164B, N6714K, Fenton, LA, April 3, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: April 3, 1990, 16:20 local (21:20 UTC)
- Place: Fenton, LA
- Coordinates: 30.369865, -92.899543 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.3699&lon=-92.8995&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 2, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22981
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW90DRD04
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22981/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW90DRD04

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE ELEVATOR CONTROL ROD END BEARING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering - aerial application
  - flt control syst,elevator control - failure,total (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD COMPLETED HIS TURN-AROUND, AND AFTER DESCENT TO THE FIELD HE WAS SEEDING, HE PULLED THE STICK BACK TO LEVELOFF, AND THE STICK BECAME FREE IN HIS HAND. THE AIRPLANE CONTINUED TO THE TERRAIN/WATER, IMPACTED HARD AND BROKE APART. INVESTIGATON REVEALED THAT THE ELEVATOR TORQUE TUBE CONTROL ROD END BEARING HAD FAILED, MAKING ELEVATOR CONTROL IMPOSSIBLE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6714K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6714K), registered now, S/N 433B, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN 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 R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 433B
- Airframe hours: 4921
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN-1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: O'Brien Flying Service, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 20, 1990, 2 hours before
- Departed: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 7,488 total, 6,600 in this make and model, 7,358 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 50 °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 19900403007479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900403007479A), Apr 3, 1990: Scwzer G164B, Fenton, LA, Destroyed. Elevator rod end bearing failed on a spray run. Aircraft dived into rice field and was destroyed.

## Other investigations on N6714K (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 FTW83LA402](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA402), Aug 27, 1983: Grumman G-164B (N6714K), North Lacassine, LA, substantial damage
- [NTSB FTW79DRA12](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW79DRA12), Mar 17, 1979: Grumman G-164B (N6714K), Rosharon, TX, 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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