Probable cause
A loss of engine power due to improper installation of an oil line fitting resulting in oil depletion.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot was performing the last pass of an aerial application flight when the engine "backfired" and surged several times. The pilot pulled the emergency fuel shut-off handle and attempted to force land in a field. The airplane overshot the intended landing area and collided with a fence before impacting terrain. A post-crash inspection of the engine revealed that an oil line fitting had been improperly installed resulting in a depletion of oil. An inspection of the airframe did not reveal any anomalies.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09LA574 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 8, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kimball, Nebraska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
Grumman Acft Eng Cor-Schweizer G-164A
- N-number
- N6761Q
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.