N3629T

On July 8, 2000, approximately 0750 central daylight time, a Schweizer G-164B agricultural airplane, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Moscow, Texas. The aircraft was registered to a private individual and operated by Payne's Flying Service, Inc., of Brandon, Mississippi. The commercial pilot, sole occupant, was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The local flight originated from Lufkin, Texas, at an undetermined time.

The pilot was fertilizing trees for the International Paper Company. During a swath run, the pilot heard a "loud scream" followed by a total loss of engine power. During the forced landing, while dumping the fertilizer, the airplane's left wing struck a tree. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the ground.

Examination of the aircraft, by the FAA inspector who responded to the accident site, revealed that both wings and the fuselage were structurally damaged.

The turboprop engine was examined at Intercontinental Jet's facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the direction of the operator's insurance company. According to the insurance adjuster, the examination revealed that the power output reduction gear to the propeller had failed.