# NTSB MKC88LA137: Grumman G164B, N2500W, Knobel, AR, July 26, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 26, 1988, 16:45 local (21:45 UTC)
- Place: Knobel, AR
- Coordinates: 36.310722, -90.599594 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.3107&lon=-90.5996&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 26, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34611
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC88LA137
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34611/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC88LA137

## 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, cruise
  - fuel system,carburetor float - disabled (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT SAID HE HAD JUST COMPLETED AN AERIAL APPLICATION OPERATION AND WAS RETURNING TO HIS BASE AIRFIELD TO RE-LOAD. WHILE IN A LOW LEVEL CRUISE, THE ENGINE QUIT ABRUPTLY, AND AN EMERGENCY LDG WAS ATTEMPTED IN A SOFT, MUDDY SOY BEAN FIELD. DURING THE LDG ROLL, THE ACFT NOSED OVER. ENGINE FAILURE WAS ATTRIBUTED TO A SEVERED SAFETY WIRE HOLDING A BOLT ON THE CARBURETOR FLOAT VALVE, ALLOWING THE FLOAT TO RESTRICT THE FUEL FLOW.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2500W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2500W), registered now, S/N 704B, built 1982 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN G164B
- 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: 704B
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Corning Farm Supply
- Registered owner: Corning Farm Supply
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: 4M9, CORNING, AR
- Destination: KNOBEL, AR
- Airport: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 4,500 total, 2,000 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: JBR, 20 nm away

## 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 19880726028019A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880726028019A), Jul 26, 1988: Scwzer G164B, Knobel, AR, Substantial damage. Engine quit on return to base. Nosed over on forced landing. Bolt holding carb float fell out. Safety wire broke.

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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