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May 20, 2008 · Grumman-Schweizer G-164A · N5083

East Bernard, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 20, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
East Bernard, TX
Aircraft
Grumman-Schweizer G-164A
Tail Number
N5083
Operator
Hicks Lowell R
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN08CA091

The commercial pilot departed on an aerial application flight after refueling and being loaded with a full load of fertilizer. Outside air temperature was 103 degrees Fahrenheit. The pilot was flying his first application pass shortly after takeoff when the engine stopped developing full power due to low compression on two cylinders from malfunctioning exhaust valves. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude and the airplane impacted the ground, bending the left wing spar down and aft.

NTSB Probable Cause

Two engine cylinder exhaust valves stuck open for an undetermined reason, resulting in a loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

The commercial pilot departed a private airstrip on an aerial application flight after refueling and being loaded with a full load of fertilizer. The pilot was flying his first application pass shortly after takeoff when he said the engine stopped developing power and the airplane started descending. The airplane hit a levy, impacted in a field and came to rest against a second levy. Temperature at the time of the accident was reported by the pilot as 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Examination of the airplane showed the left wing spar was bent down and aft. A compression check of the engine performed by FAA personnel revealed the number three cylinder producing 24 pounds of compression, the number nine cylinder producing 50 pounds of compression, and the remaining seven cylinders producing 68 pounds of compression. The number three exhaust valve was found stuck open. The engine was not disassembled to determine the cause of the sticking exhaust valve. The engine had accumulated 943 hours since the last overhaul and 129 hours since its last annual inspection on March 3, 2008.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 CDT
Nearest AirportPrivate Airstrip (1nm)
RunwayUNK
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftGrumman-Schweizer G-164A
Tail NumberN5083
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHicks Lowell R
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · R1340 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point10 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data