Grumman-Schweizer G-164A N8866H

Summary

On 2 July 1998 at about 19:30 local time, a Grumman-Schweizer G-164A registered N8866H was involved in an accident near Lubbock, Texas, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

2 July 1998 at 19:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Lubbock, Texas, United States

Coordinates

33.5896, -101.8505

Aircraft

Grumman-Schweizer G-164A

Registration

N8866H

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Ferry

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → Weslaco

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW98LA292

Nobody was injured.

The loss of engine power due to the collapsed of the engine induction air ducting. Factors were the inadequate maintenance inspection and the lack of suitable terrain for the pilot to execute the forced landing.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The 800 hour pilot reported to the NTSB investigator-in-charge that shortly after a normal takeoff, the engine sputtered and coughed during the initial takeoff climb. The engine then operated normally for about 10 seconds, then it sputtered and backfired for another 15 seconds, until the engine stopped developing power. During the landing roll, the main landing gear dug into the soft dirt and the airplane nosed over coming to rest in the inverted position. A detailed examination of the engine induction air system revealed evidence of a previous engine induction system fire. The rubber induction air sleeve (P/N: A1535-13) was found charred and burned. The inspector stated that the restriction on airflow to the carburetor during a period of high power demand due to the collapsing of the air induction sleeve resulted in the loss of engine power. The airplane's total time in service was reported as 3,572 hours. The airplane had accumulated 7 hours since its last annual inspection.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.