NTSB Factual Report

On August 18, 2002, at 1734 central daylight time, a Grumman C-1A, N189G, piloted by an airline transport pilot, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Roseville, Illinois. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The positioning flight was operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot and two passengers reported no injuries. The flight departed South Bend Regional Airport (SBN) at 1600 eastern standard time. The intended destination was Philip Billard Municipal Airport, Topeka, Kansas.

The pilot reported, "While in steady state cruise an attempt was made to adjust the prop rpm. At the same time a 200 rpm swing was noticed on the [number] two prop gauge. This was immediately followed by yawing to the right and engine roughness. An explosion followed and a steady chip light came on." The pilot stated, "Emergency procedures were followed and an attempt to feather the prop was initiated. This proved unsuccessful so the mixture and fuel were shut off along with the fire bottle being discharged." The pilot noted there was an inflight fire due to oil spray onto the hot engine. The pilot reported, "Being unable to secure the prop our rate of [descent] averaged 750 [feet] per minute." The pilot stated a gear-up landing was made into a cornfield.

Post accident investigation revealed the number one cylinder had separated from the right engine and both electrical propeller control systems were compromised. The failure of both propeller control systems resulted in the propeller going to a flat-pitch and not being able to be placed into a feathered position.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure and the resulting separation of the engine cylinder, which severed both electrical propeller control systems on the affected engine. A factor to the accident was the cornfield.