# NTSB LAX89DVG07: Schweizer G-164B, N3627G, Willows, CA, July 4, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: July 4, 1989, 09:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Willows, CA
- Coordinates: 39.499114, -122.279266 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.4991&lon=-122.2793&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 29, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26169
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89DVG07
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26169/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89DVG07

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE CONNECTING ROD ON #1 CYLINDER OF THE AIRCRAFT POWERPLANT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, maneuvering - aerial application
  - engine assembly,cylinder - failure,partial (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency

## Analysis

THE ENGINE CONNECTING ROD (P/N 10992) TO THE NUMBER ONE CYLINDER BROKE AT THE CRANKSHAFT RESULTING IN A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WHILE 200 FEET AGL. DURING THE FORCED LANDING, THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3627G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3627G), registered now, S/N 729 B, built 1983 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER G-164B
- Registry model: [Schweizer G-164B](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-g-164b) (registry code 8059055) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 729B
- Airframe hours: 4646
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN-1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Peter D. Mann & Jean K. Mann, doing business as N
- Registered owner: Mann & Sons Ag-Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 5, 1989, 476 hours before
- Departed: WLW, WILLOWS, CA
- Airport: WLW, Willows Airport

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 9,099 total, 9,099 as pilot in command, 450 in the last 90 days, 70 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 75 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point -0 °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 19890704019739A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890704019739A), Jul 4, 1989: Scwzer G164B, Willows, CA, Substantial damage. Connecting rod broke en route to spray. Blew off cylinder. Oil covered windshield. Wing hit ground. Nosed over.

## Other investigations on N3627G (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 WPR11LA273](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA273), Jun 21, 2011: Schweizer G-164B (N3627G), Marysville, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The separation of the right main landing gear during takeoff, due to fatigue.

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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