# NTSB FTW94LA042: Grumman G-164A, N4582, Parkin, AR, December 1, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 1, 1993, 09:01 local (15:01 UTC)
- Place: Parkin, AR
- Coordinates: 35.260231, -90.549049 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2602&lon=-90.5490&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 August 1, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18972
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW94LA042
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18972/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94LA042

## Probable cause

THE TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN AVAILABLE TO THE PILOT 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, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - soft
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF AN AGRICULTURAL AIRPLANE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WHILE THE AIRPLANE WAS ON INITIAL TAKEOFF CLIMB. THE PILOT STATED THAT DUE TO HIS LOW AIRSPEED AND ALTITUDE, HE ELECTED TO LAND STRAIGHT AHEAD IN AN OPEN WHEAT FIELD. THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER AS THE MAIN LANDING GEAR TIRES DUG INTO THE SOFT GROUND, AND THE AIRPLANE CAME TO REST IN THE INVERTED POSITION. A DETAILED EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE AND ITS COMPONENTS FAILED TO PRODUCE ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEM THAT WOULD HAVE PREVENTED NORMAL ENGINE OPERATION.

## Factual narrative

On December 1, 1993, at 0901 central standard time, a Grumman G-164A, N4582, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Parkin, Arkansas.  The commercial pilot was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the ferry flight.

According to the operator, the purpose of the flight was to ferry the agricultural airplane to a nearby airstrip to wash and clean the airplane.  The operator was told by the pilot that the loss of power occurred as the airplane was over the departure end of the 1,700 foot airstrip, at approximately 50 to 60 feet above the ground.  The pilot further stated that due to his altitude and airspeed, he elected to land straight ahead in an open wheat field.

The airplane nosed over, coming to rest in the inverted position.  Damage to the airplane included structural damage to the upper airfoil, fracturing of the rudder and vertical stabilizer, and compression damage to the engine cowling.

A detailed examination of the engine by the owner did not reveal any mechanical defects or anomalies that would have prevented normal engine operation.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4582](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4582-1998-11-27), registration cancelled 1998-11-27, S/N 1064 (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)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1064
- Airframe hours: 4740
- Engines: P&W R-985-14B 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Registered owner: Sitz, James A.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 1, 1993, 350 hours before
- Airport: runway 9, 1,700 × 75 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 7,625 total, 6,000 in this make and model, 7,500 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 80° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 39 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: JBR, 31 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 19931201045739A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19931201045739A), Dec 1, 1993: Scwzer G164A, Parkin, AR, Substantial damage. Lost power on climbout. Nosed over in soft dirt. No engine defects found.

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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