# NTSB LAX86DVA05: Grumman G164A, N8932H, Snelling, CA, April 5, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: April 4, 1986, 16:15 local (Apr 5, 1986, 00:15 UTC)
- Place: Snelling, CA
- Coordinates: 37.539962, -120.449226 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.5400&lon=-120.4492&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 February 3, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24863
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86DVA05
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24863/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86DVA05

## 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, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel system,line - failure,total (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - downhill

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED HE HAD JUST LIFTED OFF DURING TAKEOFF WHEN THE ENG QUIT. THE ACFT THEN STALLED, HITTING A CANAL AND SHEARING OFF THE MAIN LANDING GEAR. THE PLT STATED THAT A BROKEN FUEL LINE IS SUSPECT DUE TO THE SUDDEN STOPPAGE AND INTENSE GROUND FIRE. THE ENG HAD APRX 20 HRS SINCE MAJOR OVERHAUL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8932H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8932H-2013-03-11), registration cancelled 2013-03-11, S/N 1571, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN G164A
- 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: [Pratt & Whitney R-985 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r-985-series) (registry code 52008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1571
- Airframe hours: 1730
- Engines: P&W R1340-AN-1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: In-Flight
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Al Bettencourt, doing business as Bettencourt Flying
- Registered owner: Robert A Phillips
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 27, 1986, 20 hours before
- Airport: Kelsey Ranch

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 26,000 total, 4,000 in this make and model, 24,500 as pilot in command, 200 in the last 90 days, 60 in the last 30 days, 8 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 55 °F

## 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 19860404081659A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860404081659A), Apr 4, 1986: Scwzer G164B, Snelling, CA, Destroyed. Engine quit and flames noted from engine after liftoff. Struck canal on landing. Suspect a broken fuel line.

## Other investigations on N8932H (1)

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 OAK78DVA30](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK78DVA30), Mar 10, 1978: Grumman G164A (N8932H), Ballico, CA, 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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