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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

June 7, 2012 · Grumman G164 B · N779EF

Higginson, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 7, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Higginson, AR
Aircraft
Grumman G164 B
Tail Number
N779EF
Operator
J P Freppon Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12LA352

The airplane was departing the local airstrip to perform an aerial application. About 50 feet above ground level, the pilot noticed a partial loss of engine power and felt a vibration from the engine. The pilot performed a forced landing in a wheat field, and a postimpact fire ensued, which consumed the airplane. Based on his observations during the engine failure, the pilot suspected a cylinder or magneto failure. However, the engine was not disassembled for further examination and the cause of the partial loss of engine power was not determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

The partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined due to impact and fire damage.

Full Narrative

On June 7, 2012, approximately 1315 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164B agricultural airplane, N779EF, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power near Higginson, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by J.P. Freppon Flying Service, LLC, of Bald Knob, Arkansas, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. Visual flight rules (VFR) conditions prevailed for the flight, which did not operate on a VFR flight plan. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.According to the pilot, he was departing the local airstrip to perform an aerial application when the accident occurred. Approximately 50 feet above ground level (agl), the pilot noticed a partial loss of engine power and felt a vibration from the engine. The pilot attempted to dump the load of fertilizer and performed a forced landing to a field. The airplane came to rest upright in a wheat field and a postimpact fire ensued. The fire consumed the airplane. Post accident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed a small crack in the number five cylinder on the Pratt & Whitney R-1340 engine. The engine was not disassembled for further examination, and it could not be determined if the crack was a result of the impact. The pilot thought that a magneto may have failed; however, due to the fire damage, the magnetos and accessories could not be tested. The reason for the partial loss of engine power was not determined.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:15 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGrumman G164 B
Tail NumberN779EF
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJ P Freppon Flying Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · R-1340-AN-2 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 32 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time18:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data