# NTSB FTW95LA317: Grumman G-164A, N6636Q, Mccrory, AR, July 27, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 27, 1995, 18:20 local (23:20 UTC)
- Place: Mccrory, AR
- Coordinates: 35.249626, -91.189788 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2496&lon=-91.1898&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 30, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19514
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA317
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19514/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA317

## Probable cause

THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO A CRACKED CYLINDER. 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(total) - mech failure/malf, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - engine assembly,cylinder - cracked (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven

## Analysis

THE ENGINE STARTED 'SMOKING' AND 'MISSING' ON FINAL APPROACH BEFORE EXPERIENCING A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. THE PILOT EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING TO A FIELD AND THE AIRPLANE SUBSEQUENTLY IMPACTED A FENCE. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT BY A FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION INSPECTOR REVEALED A CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD.

## Factual narrative

On July 27, 1995, at 1820 central daylight time, a Grumman G- 164A, N6636Q, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near McCrory, Arkansas.  The commercial pilot was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight operated by Cain Flying Service, McCrory, Arkansas.  The flight originated in McCrory, Arkansas earlier in the day.

In an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot reported that the engine started "missing" and "smoking" before it quit during approach to landing.  Subsequently, during the landing, the aircraft struck a fence and "flipped over" resulting in structural damage to the wings, fuselage and vertical stabilizer.

A post-crash examination of the aircraft revealed a cracked cylinder head.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6636Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6636Q-2013-10-24), registration cancelled 2013-10-24, S/N 1694, built 1976 (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)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1694
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: David Cain
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: 7M0, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 20; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19950727019729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950727019729A), Jul 27, 1995: Scwzer G164A, Mccrory, AR, Substantial damage. Engine smoke and missing on final. Lost power. Struck fence landing. Found a cracked cylinder head.

## Other investigations on N6636Q (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 FTW92DPG12](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92DPG12), Aug 10, 1992: Grumman G-164A (N6636Q), Mc Crory, AR, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE PILOTS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.
- [NTSB MKC90LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC90LA118), May 26, 1990: Grumman G-164A (N6636Q), Morton, AR, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DUE TO INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS.

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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