Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO WATER CONTAMINATION OF THE FUEL SYSTEM. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN AVAILABLE TO THE PILOT FOR THE FORCED LANDING AND HIS INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On June 29, 1994, at 1910 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164A, N526Y, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Searcy, Arkansas. The student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the maintenance flight.
According to the pilot, who was not endorsed for solo flight in the airplane, engine power was intermittently interrupted several times during initial takeoff climb. While attempting to return to the airport, a total power loss was experienced. During the landing roll, the airplane impacted a levee and nosed over, coming to rest in the inverted position.
The operator stated that the airplane had been out of service for a long period of time and a maintenance test flight was required for the reconstruction of the airplane following wind damage. The operator further stated that water was found in the fuel system during the recovery of the wreckage.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW94LA216