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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

March 14, 1998 · Grumman-Schweizer G-164A · N8626H

Marianna, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 14, 1998
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Marianna, FL
Aircraft
Grumman-Schweizer G-164A
Tail Number
N8626H
Operator
Steve Odom
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL98LA055

Approximately ten minutes into the flight the pilot reported that the engine developed a rough running condition. The pilot tried several power settings in an effort to reduce the condition, but no action on his part resolved the rough running condition. Since the pilot could not maintain altitude, the he selected an adjacent field for an emergency landing. The pilot said that landing surface was rough and uneven. Examination of the engine assembly disclosed that the right magneto cover was not secure and that the five screws that secure the cover to the magneto assembly were missing. The visual examination of the internal components of the magneto assembly showed evidence of water stains on the magneto block. Internal component continuity was established when the engine was rotated completely through. Low compression was also noted on all cylinders.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of maintenance personnel to secure the magneto cover that resulted in water contamination and the subsequent loss of engine power. A factor was rough and uneven terrain.

Full Narrative

On March 14, 1998, at 0910 central standard time, a Grumman-Schweizer G-164A, N8626H, nosed over, according to the pilot, during a full stop landing on a county road near Marianna Florida. The aerial application flight operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137 with no flight plan filed. The pilot reported that visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The commercial rated pilot received minor injuries. According to the pilot, the airplane sustained substantial structural damage. The flight departed the staging area near Marianna, Florida, at 0905. Approximately five minutes into the flight the pilot reported that the engine developed a rough running condition. The pilot tried several power settings in an effort to reduce the condition, but no action on his part resolved the rough running condition. Since the pilot could not maintain altitude, he then selected an adjacent field for an emergency landing. The pilot said that landing surface was rough and uneven. Examination of the engine assembly disclosed that the right magneto cover was not secure and that the five screws that secure the cover to the magneto assembly were missing. The visual examination of the internal components of the magneto assembly showed evidence of water stains on the magneto block. Internal component continuity was established when the engine was rotated completely through. Low compression was also noted on all cylinders. A small quantity of fuel was recovered from the carburetor. According to the aircraft wreckage recovery crew, a substantial amount of fuel was recovered from the wing tanks at the accident site.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:10 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGrumman-Schweizer G-164A
Tail NumberN8626H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSteve Odom
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-985-AN14B · Reciprocating · 450
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 39 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data