Gulfstream-Schweizer GULFSTREAM AM G 164B N8222K accident near Eagle Lake, Texas

Probable cause

The failure of one of the engine cylinders, which resulted in the total loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing.

NTSB analysis

The commercial pilot was conducting a repositioning flight from the airport to a private agricultural airstrip. The pilot reported that, about 2 minutes into the flight, the engine lost rpm. He then saw smoke coming out of the engine cowl, and oil began to splatter onto the windshield. As the airplane started to descend, the pilot maneuvered it to land in a plowed field. After touchdown, the pilot intentionally ground looped the airplane to avoid striking a canal bank, and it then came to rest upright.

An examination of the airplane and radial engine revealed that one of the engine cylinders had failed. No other engine anomalies were found. The pilot reported that the most recent annual inspection was completed about 3 months before the accident at a total airframe time of 16,692 hours. No other information about the engine and its previous maintenance history was found during the investigation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA519 for the full record.