Gulfstream-Schweizer G-164D N8337K

Summary

On 6 June 2000 at about 19:40 local time, a Gulfstream-Schweizer G-164D registered N8337K was involved in an accident near Welsh, Louisiana, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

6 June 2000 at 19:40

Classification

Accident

Location

Welsh, Louisiana, United States

Coordinates

30.2310, -92.8106

Aircraft

Gulfstream-Schweizer G-164D

Registration

N8337K

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW00LA178

1 person had minor injuries.

The excessive wear of the reduction gearbox's 1st stage sungear, which resulted in its subsequent fatigue fracture and failure. Factors were the operator not performing the recommended overhaul of the engine, and a lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot was returning the agricultural airplane to the airport to pick up a second spray load when he heard a 'deep humming sound coming from the engine.' The pilot added that white smoke was emanating from the engine's exhaust, and that the propeller feathered and came to a stop. The pilot landed the airplane in a flooded rice field. The main landing gear dug into the mud resulting in the airplane nosing over. Post-accident examination of the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-15AG engine revealed that one of the teeth on the reduction gearbox's 1st stage sungear failed as a result of fatigue. The fatigue fracture originated from an area of pronounced wear. Numerous gear teeth displayed wear and spalling damage. The gear was found to be within the manufacturer's hardness and dimensional limits. The engine had exceeded the manufacturer's recommended 3,500-hour overhaul period by 4,153 hours.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.