Summary
On July 13, 2008, a Schweizer G-164B (N3633B) was involved in an incident near Alturas, CA. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from a fuel system contamination and a clogged fuel filter. Contributing to the accident was the rough terrain.
The pilot reported that while maneuvering during an agricultural spray flight he felt the turbine engine shudder, and then it continued to operate normally. As a precaution, the pilot discontinued dispensing fertilizer and turned the heavily loaded airplane toward the departure airstrip. Suddenly, the engine shuddered again, and the pilot opted to immediately land in a nearby pasture. All engine power was lost as the airplane approached the field. The pilot made a forced landing on the rough ground and the airplane nosed over during rollout.
The operator reported that upon inspection of the airplane's fuel filter, debris or some kind of organism was observed that clogged the fuel filter. The same contaminating material was found in the airplane's fuel tanks.
This incident is documented in NTSB report LAX08CA228. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N3633B.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from a fuel system contamination and a clogged fuel filter. Contributing to the accident was the rough terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that while maneuvering during an agricultural spray flight he felt the turbine engine shudder, and then it continued to operate normally. As a precaution, the pilot discontinued dispensing fertilizer and turned the heavily loaded airplane toward the departure airstrip. Suddenly, the engine shuddered again, and the pilot opted to immediately land in a nearby pasture. All engine power was lost as the airplane approached the field. The pilot made a forced landing on the rough ground and the airplane nosed over during rollout.
The operator reported that upon inspection of the airplane's fuel filter, debris or some kind of organism was observed that clogged the fuel filter. The same contaminating material was found in the airplane's fuel tanks. The operator also reported that the airplane had been refueled from a tank truck that was from out of the area.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX08CA228