Probable cause
The malfunction of the No. 9 pushrod, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was departing on the first flight of the day to conduct aerial seeding. After takeoff, he noticed that the engine began to vibrate, but the rpm seemed normal. He made a right turn and the engine started to lose power and then "quit." The pilot conducted a forced landing in a cornfield, during which the airplane nosed over, and a post-crash fire ensued. Examination of the engine revealed the No. 9 pushrod was stuck in the open position and the gland seal was brittle. Review of the maintenance logbooks revealed that the No. 9 pushrod was removed, and the gland seal was replaced on the day of the accident before the accident flight. It is likely that since the No. 9 valve was stuck in the open position, it caused the cylinder to lose compression and power in flight.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA19LA267 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 8, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Berlin, Maryland
- Nearest airport
- Bunting'S Field (4MD1)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grumman G164
- N-number
- N8386K
- 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.