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NTSB Report
October 28, 1985 · Schweizer G-164B · N8487K
Gila Bend, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 28, 1985
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Gila Bend, AZ
Aircraft
Schweizer G-164B
Tail Number
N8487K
Operator
Pierce Aviation
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX86LA029
AFTER SPRAYING A FIELD AND WHILE ENROUTE TO THE LANDING SITE, THE ACFT ENGINE BACKFIRED FOLLOWED BY A RAPID LOSS OF POWER. THE PLT NEGOTIATED AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON A PRIVATE DIRT ROAD. DURING THE LANDING ROLL-OUT, THE AIRCRAFT LEFT WING STRUCK A TREE CAUSING THE ACFT TO FLIP OVER ONTO ITS BACK. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE DISCLOSED NO EVIDENCE OF ANY MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION OF FAILURE. THE CARBURETOR SCREEN, BOWL AND THE MAIN FUEL LINES WERE FREE OF ANY CONTAMINATES. THE GASCOLATOR CONTAINED A LARGE AMOUNT OF MUDDY WATER.
Full Narrative
AFTER SPRAYING A FIELD AND WHILE ENROUTE TO THE LANDING SITE, THE ACFT ENGINE BACKFIRED FOLLOWED BY A RAPID LOSS OF POWER. THE PLT NEGOTIATED AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON A PRIVATE DIRT ROAD. DURING THE LANDING ROLL-OUT, THE AIRCRAFT LEFT WING STRUCK A TREE CAUSING THE ACFT TO FLIP OVER ONTO ITS BACK. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE DISCLOSED NO EVIDENCE OF ANY MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION OF FAILURE. THE CARBURETOR SCREEN, BOWL AND THE MAIN FUEL LINES WERE FREE OF ANY CONTAMINATES. THE GASCOLATOR CONTAINED A LARGE AMOUNT OF MUDDY WATER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 MST
Nearest AirportGILABEND (25nm W)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSchweizer G-164B
Tail NumberN8487K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPierce Aviation
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R1340 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 27 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 6 kt
Visibility35 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 15000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point48
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time22:55
Weather SourceWFAC