# NTSB FTW91DPG09: Grumman G-164A, N542D, Goodwin, AR, May 21, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: May 21, 1991, 14:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Goodwin, AR
- Coordinates: 34.94083, -91.029113 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.9408&lon=-91.0291&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 March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23198
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91DPG09
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23198/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91DPG09

## Probable cause

POWER LOSS DUE TO FAILURE OF THE NUMBER FIVE CYLINDER ASSEMBLY. A FACTOR WAS THE SOFT TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - engine assembly,cylinder - failure,total (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER TAKEOFF, ABOUT 50 FEET AGL, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER DUE TO SEPARATION OF THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER FROM THE NUMBER FIVE CYLINDER ASSEMBLY. THE PILOT MADE A FORCED LANDING INTO A WHEAT FIELD. DURING ROLL OUT IN THE MUDDY TERRAIN THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N542D (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN G-164A
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1032
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Racers Ag Service
- Registered owner: Gary J. Michaelis
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, February 15, 1991

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 2,800 total, 2,500 in this make and model, 2,800 as pilot in command, 120 in the last 90 days, 60 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

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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