Grumman 164A accident near Biggs, CA
On May 5, 1993, a Grumman 164A (airplane) was involved in an accident near Biggs, CA. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- May 5, 1993
- Place
- Biggs, CA
- Aircraft
- Grumman 164A · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 39.420°N, 121.669°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001211X12417
NTSB summary
On May 5, 1993, about 0702 hours Pacific daylight time, a Grumman 164A- 600, N5249, crashed during a forced landing near Biggs, California. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) aerial application flight under Title 14 CFR Part 137 when the accident occurred. The airplane, operated by Williams Ag Service, was destroyed by impact and post impact fire. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, received fatal injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated from a private airstrip located about 1 mile north of Biggs about 0700 hours. The operator reported that the airplane departed the airstrip with about 1700 pounds of rice seed that was to be applied on a nearby field. After departure, witnesses observed the airplane about 50 feet above the ground while enroute to the field. Witnesses reported hearing the engine "pop" and produce sputtering sounds. The airplane then descended toward an open field that was adjacent to water covered fields and bordered by an irrigation ditch. The airplane struck the inside slope of a raised irrigation levee bank, about 4 feet below the edge. The airplane nosed over and a post crash fire erupted around the engine area. Airworthiness and Operations Inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration, Sacramento Flight Standards District Office, examined the airplane at the accident site. They reported that the number 2 cylinder separated from the engine at the top of the cylinder barrel. The number 9 cylinder exhibited cracking and partial separation at the top of the cylinder barre
Probable cause
FAILURE OF THE NUMBER 2 ENGINE CYLINDER. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF ALTITUDE FOR THE PILOT TO MAKE A SUCCESSFULL FORCED LANDING.
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Browse: California · Grumman aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
