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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

September 8, 2019 · Grumman G164 B · N8386K

Berlin, MD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 8, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Berlin, MD
Aircraft
Grumman G164 B
Tail Number
N8386K
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA19LA267

The pilot was departing on the first flight of the day to conduct aerial seeding. After takeoff, he noticed that the engine began to vibrate, but the rpm seemed normal. He made a right turn and the engine started to lose power and then "quit." The pilot conducted a forced landing in a cornfield, during which the airplane nosed over, and a post-crash fire ensued. Examination of the engine revealed the No. 9 pushrod was stuck in the open position and the gland seal was brittle. Review of the maintenance logbooks revealed that the No. 9 pushrod was removed, and the gland seal was replaced on the day of the accident before the accident flight. It is likely that since the No. 9 valve was stuck in the open position, it caused the cylinder to lose compression and power in flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine (reciprocating)-Recip eng cyl section-Malfunction

Full Narrative

On September 8, 2019, at 1525 eastern daylight time, a Grumman G-164B, N8386K, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Berlin, Maryland. The commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The pilot reported that he was departing on the first flight of the day to conduct aerial seeding with 2,000 lbs. of wheat seeds. After liftoff, he noticed that the engine began to vibrate, but the rpm seemed normal. The pilot made a right turn and the engine started to lose power and then "quit." The pilot stated that he was "too low to attempt a restart," and he performed a forced landing in a cornfield, during which the airplane nosed over, and a post-crash fire ensued. The pilot exited the airplane and contacted the local authorities. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane's fuselage and both the upper and lower wings were buckled. Examination of the cockpit, firewall and the engine accessories revealed they were fire damaged. An examination of the engine revealed the No. 9 pushrod was stuck in the open position and the gland seal was brittle. Borescope examination of the cylinders did not show any signs of scoring or internal damage. Valvetrain continuity was observed on the master rod, pistons, pushrods, and rockers while turning through 360°. A review of the engine logbook revealed that the No. 9 pushrod gland seal was replaced on the day of the accident before the accident flight. A test run was performed on the engine, and the airplane was returned to service.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:25 EDT
Nearest AirportBunting'S Field (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGrumman G164 B
Tail NumberN8386K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt&Whitney · R-1340 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 62 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.78 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data