Grumman G-164A N6565 accident near Laplace, Louisiana

Probable cause

Total loss of engine power during the agricultural application flight for reasons that could not be determined.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported he had just completed an agricultural application pass and had entered a turn to setup for the next pass, when he heard a “pop” from the engine and felt the airplane slow down. His efforts to restore engine power were not successful. He dumped the application load and executed a forced landing to a road. After touching down, he maneuvered the airplane to avoid a tractor parked along the side of the road. Unfortunately, the left wing struck the sugar cane crop adjacent to the road causing damage to the lower wings, wing struts, and landing gear.

A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not identify any preimpact anomalies consistent with an inability of the engine to produce rated power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA364 for the full record.