Probable cause
The total loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of the k-pin associated with the No. 1 cylinder.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he had completed an aerial application run in the airplane and began a left turn to return for another aerial application run. However, shortly after he began the maneuver, the airplane’s engine lost total power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field, during which the airplane nosed over. Examination of the radial engine revealed that the No. 1 cylinder k-pin had failed, resulting in significant internal engine damage and the loss of power. Further examination of the failed k-pin revealed that it had fractured near its center oil journal, and the k-pin fracture marks exhibited damage consistent with fatigue.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA13LA029 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 19, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Edison, Georgia
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grumman Acft Eng Cor-Schweizer G-164B
- N-number
- N6670K
- 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.