# NTSB FTW94LA216: Grumman G-164A, N526Y, Searcy, AR, June 30, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 29, 1994, 19:10 local (Jun 30, 1994, 00:10 UTC)
- Place: Searcy, AR
- Coordinates: 35.240982, -91.730751 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2410&lon=-91.7308&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 January 26, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19100
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW94LA216
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19100/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94LA216

## Probable cause

THE TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO WATER CONTAMINATION OF THE FUEL SYSTEM. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN AVAILABLE TO THE PILOT FOR THE FORCED LANDING AND HIS INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - fluid,fuel - contamination (cause)
  - fluid,water - contamination (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
- Nose over, other

## Analysis

THE NON-ENDORSED STUDENT PILOT EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WHILE ATTEMPTING TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT FOLLOWING INTERMITTENT POWER INTERRUPTIONS DURING CLIMB OUT. THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED A LEVEE DURING THE LANDING ROLL AND NOSED OVER, COMING TO REST IN THE INVERTED POSITION. THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS FOUND CONTAMINATED WITH WATER.

## Factual narrative

On June 29, 1994, at 1910 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164A, N526Y, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Searcy, Arkansas.  The student pilot was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the maintenance flight.

According to the pilot, who was not endorsed for solo flight in the airplane, engine power was intermittently interrupted several times during initial takeoff climb.  While attempting to return to the airport, a total power loss was experienced.  During the landing roll, the airplane impacted a levee and nosed over, coming to rest in the inverted position.

The operator stated that the airplane had been out of service for a long period of time and a maintenance test flight was required for the reconstruction of the airplane following wind damage.  The operator further stated that water was found in the fuel system during the recovery of the wreckage.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N526Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N526Y-2013-04-02), registration cancelled 2013-04-02, S/N 163, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN G-164A
- Registry model: [Grumman G-164](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-g-164) (registry code 3952702) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Jacobs L6](https://openairdocs.org/engine/jacobs-l6) (registry code 35005, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 163
- Airframe hours: 6165
- Engines: P&W R-985-AN1 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Aircrop Incorporated
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, June 20, 1994, 1 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; student; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 250 total, 1 in this make and model, 250 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: LRF, 35 nm away

## Other investigations on N526Y (3)

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 FTW95LA328](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA328), Aug 2, 1995: Grumman G-164A (N526Y), Searcy, AR, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE INADVERTENT STALL AS A RESULT OF THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED DURING THE APPROACH.
- [NTSB FTW74DPG60](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW74DPG60), May 23, 1974: Grumman G-164 (N526Y), Carlisle, AR, substantial damage
- [NTSB FTW67F0570](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW67F0570), May 5, 1967: Grumman G-164 (N526Y), Church Point, 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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