NTSB Factual Report

On July 9, 2018, about 1100 Pacific daylight time, a Grumman G-164B airplane, N6696K, experienced a total loss of engine power and the pilot executed a forced landing in a rice field near Colusa, California. The commercial pilot was not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the upper wing and empennage. The airplane was registered to and operated by Valley Air Service Ltd as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from the Colusa County Airport (O08), Colusa, at an unknown time.

A representative from the operator reported that the pilot was finished fertilizing a field when the airplane's engine started to run rough and lose complete power. The pilot attempted to land at a nearby private landing strip, however, the airplane landed short in a rice field and came to rest inverted.

The airplane has been recovered to a secure location for further examination.