NTSB Factual Report

On July 12, 2004, approximately 1804 central daylight time, a tailwheel equipped Gulfstream-Schweizer G-164B single-engine agricultural airplane, N8222K, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during takeoff initial climb from a private airstrip near Eagle Lake, Texas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Double L Flying Service of Wallis, Texas. 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 was originating at the time of the accident.

The 27,940-hour pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that after takeoff, at an altitude of approximately 30 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. He initiated a forced landing to a rice field adjacent to the runway. During the landing roll, the airplane's main landing gear sunk into the mud, nosed over, and came to rest inverted.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who responded to the site of the accident, revealed the horizontal stabilizer and rudder were destroyed. The outboard leading edge of the lower left wing was crushed aft. Both wing struts were broken. Visible evidence of fuel was observed by the inspector at the accident site.

Examination of the 600-horsepower radial engine by the airplane owner revealed two cylinders would not "hold compression." Additionally, the air induction hose was found loose from it's attach point. The engine was successfully run for approximately five minutes at various power settings with no anomalies noted.

The reason for the reported loss of engine power was undetermined.

NTSB Probable Cause

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