Probable cause
Two engine cylinder exhaust valves stuck open for an undetermined reason, resulting in a loss of engine power.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot departed on an aerial application flight after refueling and being loaded with a full load of fertilizer. Outside air temperature was 103 degrees Fahrenheit. The pilot was flying his first application pass shortly after takeoff when the engine stopped developing full power due to low compression on two cylinders from malfunctioning exhaust valves. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude and the airplane impacted the ground, bending the left wing spar down and aft.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DEN08CA091 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 20, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- East Bernard, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Private Airstrip (N/A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grumman-Schweizer G-164A
- N-number
- N5083
- 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.