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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

May 17, 1998 · Schweizer G164D · N8177K

Richvale, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 17, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Richvale, CA
Aircraft
Schweizer G164D
Tail Number
N8177K
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX98LA162

On takeoff, the pilot experienced a loss of engine power preceded by the sound of loud 'pop.' He completed a forced landing on soft ground and the aircraft nosed over. During the post-accident teardown inspection of the engine, it was noted that four compressor/turbine blades had failed at the blade/butt interface. The failed blades were not standard manufacturer's replacement parts.

NTSB Probable Cause

The separation of four compressor/turbine blades resulting in a sudden loss of engine power with a subsequent forced landing into unsuitable terrain.

Full Narrative

On May 17, 1998, at 1130 hours Pacific daylight time, a Schweizer G164D, N8177K, was destroyed when it nosed over during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power on takeoff. The commercial pilot was not injured and there was no property damage. At the time of the accident, the flight was departing the Doc Thompson airstrip which is located 9 miles north-northwest of Richvale, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 137 agricultural application flight. The operator stated in his accident report that, approximately 15 feet agl, he heard a loud "pop" in the engine compartment followed by an immediate loss of engine power. He made a forced landing to a soft dirt field about 800 feet from the end of the runway. During a teardown inspection of the engine, it was noted that four compressor/turbine blades were broken off at the blade/butt interface. The parting surface on the butt side of the break was clean and did not show evidence of progressive failure. It was also noted that the four broken blades were not standard manufacturer's replacement parts.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 PDT
Nearest AirportThompson Strip (0nm)
Runway16
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width30 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchweizer G164D
Tail NumberN8177K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsP&W · PT6A-34AG · Turboprop · 750
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 8 kt
Visibility60 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 46
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:47
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data