# NTSB FTW94LA097: Grumman G-164B, N6665Q, Hamburg, AR, March 14, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 14, 1994, 17:56 local (23:56 UTC)
- Place: Hamburg, AR
- Coordinates: 33.220485, -91.790435 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.2205&lon=-91.7904&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 14, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19011
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW94LA097
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19011/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94LA097

## Probable cause

THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FOULED SPARK PLUGS. A 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 - aerial application
  - ignition system,spark plug - fouled (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING AERIAL APPLICATION MANEUVERING THE AIRCRAFT LOST PARTIAL ENGINE POWER. DURING THE SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE GROUND, BOUNCED TWICE, AND NOSED OVER TO THE INVERTED POSITION. AN INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS WERE FOULED.

## Factual narrative

On March 14, 1994, at 1756 central standard time, a Grumman G- 164B, N6665Q, was substantially damaged during a forced landing.  The commercial pilot was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight.

The pilot reported to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector that the engine lost power during the application of fertilizer.  He then proceeded to dump the remainder of his load.  The aircraft impacted the ground, bounced twice, and nosed over to the inverted position.

An examination of the engine by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector and the owner revealed that the spark plugs were fouled.

The aircraft was released to the owner.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N6665Q (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN G-164B
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 188B
- Engines: P&W R-985-AN1 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Robinson, Leroy
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 13,000 total, 600 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PBF, 65 nm away

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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