Grumman G 164A N6637 accident near Garwood, Texas

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB analysis

The commercial pilot was departing on an agricultural application flight when the engine experienced a partial loss of power shortly after takeoff. The pilot released part of the load of fertilizer and attempted to land in a nearby field. The airplane contacted a levee during the landing, which separated the landing gear. The airplane became airborne again, then settled back onto the ground and subsequently nosed over. The reported weather conditions were conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power; however, the airplane was operating at a high power setting for takeoff. Therefore, it is unlikely that carburetor icing was present. A postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions or anomalies and the reason for the partial loss of power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN18LA152 for the full record.