Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

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.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

August 16, 1998 · Schweizer G164B · N7502A

Newton, MS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 16, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Newton, MS
Aircraft
Schweizer G164B
Tail Number
N7502A
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL98LA115

According to the pilot, he was conducting agricultural operations and had dispensed approximately 13 loads of agricultural products. While preparing for another takeoff, the pilot noticed that the engine was slow to spool up to 100%. During climb-out the pilot noticed that he did not have enough power to maintain the climb. The pilot pushed the throttle full forward, dumped his load, and he could not arrest his descent. The airplane collided with trees as the pilot executed a forced landing. Examination of the engine assembly disclosed that the first stage compressor wheel displayed evidence of erosion. There was fresh dirt and debris in the first stage compressor assembly. Several stator vanes exhibited pre-impact bending associated with erosion. Further examination of the engine assembly disclosed that the fuel control unit rear support bracket bolt was not installed on the fuel control unit. The engine post-accident examination disclosed that the fuel control unit was displaced approximately 1/4 inch from the normally installed position. Examination of the fuel control unit showed chaffing on the pump flange.

NTSB Probable Cause

The erosion of the compressor impeller and the unsecured fuel control unit resulted in the loss of engine power during the initial climb.

Full Narrative

On August 16, 1998, at 1615 Central Daylight Time, a Schweizer, G164B, N7502A, collided with trees, when altitude could not be maintained due to loss of engine power, near Newton, Mississippi. The aerial application flight was operated by Payne Flying Service under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 137, no flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The flight departed Newton Mississippi, at 1613. According to the pilot, he had been conducting agricultural operations and had dispensed approximately 13 loads of agricultural products. He was preparing for takeoff when he noticed that the engine was slow to spool up, but the run-up was otherwise normal with the engine operating at 100%. During climb-out the pilot noticed that he did not have enough power to maintain the climb, he pushed the throttle full forward, and dumped his load. Despite the pilot's efforts to regain full power, engine power continued to decrease, and he could not arrest the descent. The pilot selected an area for a forced landing. The airplane collided with trees during the attempted forced landing. Examination of the engine assembly disclosed that the first stage compressor wheel displayed evidence of erosion. There was also fresh dirt and debris on the first stage compressor assembly. Several stator vanes exhibited pre-impact bending associated with erosion (see attached engine examination report). Further examination of the engine assembly disclosed that the fuel control unit rear support bracket bolt was not installed on the fuel control unit. The post-accident examination disclosed that the fuel control unit was displaced approximately 1/4 inch from the normally installed position. Examination of the fuel control unit showed chaffing on the pump flange. According to operator's maintenance records, the engine was last inspected 128 hours before the accident. The engine had accumulated 6000 hours of operation since the last overhaul.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:15 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchweizer G164B
Tail NumberN7502A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsBristol · TPE-331-6-252 · Turboprop · 715
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 43 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data