Probable cause
A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The pilot performed a preflight inspection of the airplane and sumped each fuel tank. Water was found in the tanks, and he sumped them until he no longer observed any water in the fuel. The pilot then started the airplane and conducted an engine check, which was normal. On takeoff, at an altitude of 60 to 100 feet, the engine began to sputter and he was unable to maintain altitude. The pilot landed in trees off the end of the runway and the airplane caught fire. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to both wings and the post impact fire consumed the engine, cockpit, fuselage, empennage, left wing and the inboard section of the right wing. Due to the extensive fire damage, the source of the engine failure could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA335 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 9, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bono, Arkansas
- Nearest airport
- Private
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grumman Acft Eng Cor-Schweizer G-164A
- N-number
- N8930H
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Positioning
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.