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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

August 10, 1994 · Grumman G-164B · N8251K

Matagorda, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 10, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Matagorda, TX
Aircraft
Grumman G-164B
Tail Number
N8251K
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW94LA266

AS THE PILOT MADE A SPRAY PASS OVER A RICE FIELD THE ENGINE BEGAN BACKFIRING, THEN LOST POWER. THE PILOT JETTISONED THE CHEMICAL AND ATTEMPTED TO LAND ON A DIRT ROAD. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TREES AS HE MANEUVERED FOR LANDING. POST ACCIDENT ENGINE EXAMINATION REVEALED A CRACK IN THE NUMBER 4 CYLINDER NEAR THE EXHAUST VALVE.

NTSB Probable Cause

A POWER LOSS DUE TO CRACKED ENGINE CYLINDER. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.

Full Narrative

On August 10, 1994, approximately 0900 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164B, N8251K, was destroyed when it collided with trees during a forced landing near Matagorda, Texas. The airline transport-rated pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The following is based on a telephone conversation with the operator and the pilot/operator report. The pilot was engaged in an aerial application operation. As he made a spray pass over a rice field, the engine began backfiring and lost power. The pilot jettisoned the chemical and attempted to land on a dirt road. The airplane collided with trees as he maneuvered for landing. According to the operator, post-accident engine examination revealed a crack in the number 4 cylinder near the exhaust valve.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGrumman G-164B
Tail NumberN8251K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-1340-AN-1 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 47 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 4 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingOvercast 25000 ft
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data