Probable cause
Loss of engine power due to a failure of the No. 3 cylinder head, which resulted in a forced landing and collision with ground equipment.
NTSB analysis
The day before the accident, the pilot was performing aerial application work when he noticed a significant loss of engine power and made an emergency landing in a corn field. Maintenance personnel inspected the engine and replaced the No. 2 cylinder, test ran the engine, and returned the airplane to service. The following day, the pilot ran the engine for several minutes before flight to ensure that it was operating normally. Experiencing no anomalous behavior, the pilot conducted a short-field takeoff, but immediately after rotation and during initial climb, the engine lost partial power. The pilot was unable to climb or maintain altitude and the airplane settled back onto the ground before colliding with farm equipment.
Postaccident examination revealed that the No. 3 cylinder failed catastrophically. The failed accident cylinder was not examined in detail, and the manner in which the failure occurred was not determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA16LA319 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 18, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Chestertown, Maryland
- Nearest airport
- Private Agricultural Field (None)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grumman G164
- N-number
- N75EP
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1974
- 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.