# NTSB GAA17CA305: Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164, N6674K, Maxwell, CA, May 26, 2017 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: May 26, 2017, 13:15 local (20:15 UTC) - Place: Maxwell, CA - Coordinates: 39.286109, -122.184997 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.2861&lon=-122.1850&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Fuel exhaustion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/192) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report August 3, 2017 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: General Aviation Accidents - Parties: FAA/ FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 95245 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=GAA17CA305 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/95245/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=95245 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA305 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to visually check the fuel quantity during the preflight inspection and ensure that sufficient fuel was onboard for the flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Inspection: preflight inspection](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061510): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164C, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061510/cases.md?model=3952803), [All aircraft, 551 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061510/cases.md) - [Fluids: fuel](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Fluid level (probable cause); cases with it: [Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164C, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md?model=3952803), [All aircraft, 1,695 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md) - [Fluids: fuel](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Inadequate inspection (probable cause); cases with it: [Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164C, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md?model=3952803), [All aircraft, 1,695 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md) - [Fuel system: fuel indication system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022840): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Malfunction; cases with it: [Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164C, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022840/cases.md?model=3952803), [All aircraft, 30 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022840/cases.md) - [Terrain](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021000): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164C, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021000/cases.md?model=3952803), [All aircraft, 267 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021000/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Prior to flight: Aircraft inspection event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/050); cases with it: [Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164C, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/050/sequence.md?model=3952803), [All aircraft, 229 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/050/sequence.md) - [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Fuel exhaustion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/192) (defining event); cases with it: [Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164C, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/192/sequence.md?model=3952803), [All aircraft, 804 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/192/sequence.md) - [Landing: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164C, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=3952803), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that, a few minutes after takeoff for an agricultural application flight, while maneuvering to a field he intended to spray, the engine lost power and that he then attempted to land on a dirt road. He added that the airplane bounced on touchdown and "went off the road and struck a ditch." He further added that when the engine lost power, the fuel gauge indicated about half full. Postaccident, the pilot reported that the fuel gauge was "stuck in the middle," that he did not visually check the fuel quantity before flight, and that he had exhausted the fuel supply. The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge stated, in part: Fuel Gauges The fuel quantity gauges indicate the amount of fuel measured by a sensing unit in each fuel tank and is displayed in gallons or pounds. Aircraft certification rules require accuracy in fuel gauges only when they read "empty." Any reading other than "empty" should be verified. Do not depend solely on the accuracy of the fuel quantity gauges. Always visually check the fuel level in each tank during the preflight inspection, and then compare it with the corresponding fuel quantity indication. ## Factual narrative The pilot reported that a few minutes after takeoff during an aerial application flight, while maneuvering to a field he intended to spray, the engine lost power and he attempted to land on a dirt road. He added that the airplane bounced on touchdown and "went off the road and struck a ditch." He further added that when the engine lost power, the fuel gauge indicated about half full. Postaccident, the pilot reported that the fuel gauge was "stuck in the middle", he did not visually check the fuel quantity prior to flight, and had exhausted the fuel supply. The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge stated in part: Fuel Gauges The fuel quantity gauges indicate the amount of fuel measured by a sensing unit in each fuel tank and is displayed in gallons or pounds. Aircraft certification rules require accuracy in fuel gauges only when they read "empty." Any reading other than "empty" should be verified. Do not depend solely on the accuracy of the fuel quantity gauges. Always visually check the fuel level in each tank during the preflight inspection, and then compare it with the corresponding fuel quantity indication. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N6674K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6674K), registered now, S/N 16C, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G-164 (C) - Registry model: [Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164C](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-acft-eng-cor-schweizer-g-164c) (registry code 3952803) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 16C - Year built: 1978 - Airframe hours: 10113.9 - Engines: Honeywell (Garrett) TPE-331-6-5AM 1000 horsepower turbo prop - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Operator: Richter Aviation Inc - Registered owner: Richter Aviation Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, April 7, 2017 - Departed: Develan, CA - Destination: Develan, CA - Equipment: None ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 55; injuries: serious; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, waiver time limited special; last flight review April 29, 2016; seat: single; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 7,170.7 total, 3,485 in this make and model, 7,116.5 as pilot in command, 205 in the last 90 days, 205 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 84 °F - Observed at: NONE ## 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 20170526007849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20170526007849A), May 26, 2017: Grumman Acft Eng Cor-Schweizer G-164C, Maxwell, CA, Substantial damage. Pilot mismanaged fuel consumption and engine failed due to fuel starvation. ## Other investigations on N6674K (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 WPR18LA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA128), Apr 29, 2018: Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G 164C (N6674K), Maxwell, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: A total loss of engine power due to an uncommanded closing of the fuel shutoff valve, which terminated fuel to the engine. The reason for the fuel shutoff valve’s closure could not be determined… - [NTSB DEN85LA177](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA177), Jul 1, 1985: Grumman G-164 (N6674K), Platte, SD, substantial damage - [NTSB DEN81DTK21](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN81DTK21), Aug 14, 1981: Grumman G-164C (N6674K), Platte, SD, substantial damage ## Docket (5 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on July 13, 2017, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=95245. 8.3 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 4.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40454242&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Record of Conversation (Pilot in Command) (item 2, .PDF, 63 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40454243&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20(Pilot%20in%20Command)-Master.PDF - Record of Conversation (Operator President) (item 3, .PDF, 62 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40454244&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20(Operator%20President)-Master.PDF - Accident Photo (Courtesy of FAA) (item 4, .PDF, 1 photo, 176 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40454245&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Photo%20(Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF - FAA PHAK Fuel Gauges (item 5, .PDF, 4.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40454246&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20PHAK%20Fuel%20Gauges-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.