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July 2, 2004 · Grumman G-164A · N915X

Chatsworth, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 2, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Chatsworth, NJ
Aircraft
Grumman G-164A
Tail Number
N915X
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD04LA027

Shortly after takeoff, and about 100 feet above the ground, the airplane's engine began to lose power. The pilot began to dump the load of fertilizer the airplane was carrying and then performed a forced landing into a cranberry bog. After touchdown, the airplane nosed over. An inspection of the engine revealed that the impeller shaft of the blower section of the engine was bent, and its surface was discolored from heat and exhibited signs of rotational scoring. A 1/16-inch oil passage that lubricated the impeller shaft bearings was found blocked.

NTSB Probable Cause

A blocked internal oil passage, which resulted in inadequate lubrication of the blower impeller shaft, and the subsequent partial loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

On July 2, 2004, at 1330 eastern daylight time, a Grumman G-164A, N915X, operated by Downstown Airport, Inc. was substantially damaged during a forced landing, shortly after taking off from a gravel airstrip in Chatsworth, New Jersey. The certificated commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the local aerial application flight, conducted under 14 CFR Part 137. According to a written statement submitted by the pilot, the departure to the south was normal until about 100 feet, when the engine began to lose power. The pilot made a "slight" right turn to align the airplane with the wind and a cranberry bog. The pilot also began dumping the 800-pound load of fertilizer that was onboard the airplane. After touchdown, the airplane nosed over in the bog. The engine was disassembled and examined under the supervision of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector at a maintenance and repair facility. The oil pump was removed and appeared to be normal, and the oil screen appeared to be clean. The blower (supercharger) section of the engine was also examined. Several impeller blades were damaged or missing, and the remaining portions of the impeller exhibited signs of melting and breakage. The impeller shaft was bent, and its surface was discolored from heat and exhibited signs of rotational scoring. The impeller shaft bushings were worn and "oversize", and the blower shaft attach nut also exhibited heat discoloration. Further examination of the engine revealed metal contamination in the engine cylinders. According to the chief inspector at the facility where the engine was disassembled, the impeller shaft was supported by two bronze bushings that were lubricated by engine oil via a 1/8-inch hole in both of the bushings, and a 1/16-inch hole in one of the bushings. The 1/16-inch hole was found blocked. The inspector additionally stated that failure of the bronze bushing would cause the impeller shaft to "wobble," and permit contact between the blower and the rear case, which would then result in excessive damage to the impeller, impeller shaft, blower, and rear case.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 EDT
Nearest AirportHaines Airstrip (0nm SE)
Runway14
Runway Length1850 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGrumman G-164A
Tail NumberN915X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · R-1340 AN-1 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 73 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time17:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data