NTSB Factual Report

On May 17, 2002, approximately 1230 central daylight time, a Grumman-Schweizwer G-164A agricultural airplane, N48533, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Hathaway, Louisiana. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual. The commercial pilot, sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from a private airstrip at 1220.

The pilot stated he was operating off of a short grass airstrip and this was his fourth load of the day. The airplane was hauling 1,400 pounds of fertilizer, approximately one-half of a normal load. After making several passes, with the load down to 1,000 pounds, he pulled up out of the field, and "the airplane felt like it was settling." He added full power, but "the engine didn't respond with any more power. It didn't want to fly, and it kept settling." The pilot executed a forced landing straight ahead in a rice field and touched down in a flat, wings level attitude. The airplane bounced once, nosed over, and came to rest inverted.

According to the FAA inspector, who examined the airplane at the accident site, there was substantial damage to the empennage and the firewall. Both wings, the engine, and both main landing gear were damaged. The 600-horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-1340-AN1 engine had accumulated a total of 6,876 hours (350 hours since overhaul), and underwent its most recent annual inspection on February 4, 2002, approximately 50 hours prior to the accident.

The reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.