# NTSB MKC90LA111: Grumman G-164A, N8852H, Bald Knob, AR, May 20, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 20, 1990, 11:50 local (16:50 UTC)
- Place: Bald Knob, AR
- Coordinates: 35.299797, -91.569969 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2998&lon=-91.5700&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34983
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC90LA111
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34983/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC90LA111

## Probable cause

THE POWERPLANT FAILURE FOR UNDETERMINED CAUSES. CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
  - load jettison - performed, pilot in command
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION OPERATION, THE COMMERCIAL PLT SAID THAT HE NOTICED AN ENGINE VIBRATION AND LOSS OF POWER. HE DUMPED HIS LOAD AND ATTEMPTED TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT, BUT WAS UNABLE, SO ATTEMPTED AN EMERGENCY LDG IN A RAIN SOAKED WHEAT FIELD, AND NOSED OVER. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION FAILED TO REVEAL ANY FUEL CONTAMINATION OR MECHANICAL FAILURE/MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8852H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8852H-1998-02-20), registration cancelled 1998-02-20, S/N 1546 (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)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1546
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Bald Knob Air Service
- Registered owner: Smith Flying & Spreader Svc
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Airport: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 8,100 total, 4,500 in this make and model, 7,600 as pilot in command, 103 in the last 90 days, 70 in the last 30 days, 8 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 700 ft broken
- Temperature: 81 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19900520016829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900520016829A), May 20, 1990: Scwzer G164A, Bald Knob, AR, Substantial damage. Engine vibration powr loss on spray run. Dumped load. Landed wet soft field. Nosed over. Cause undetermined.

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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