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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

February 16, 1996 · Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18-A · N92640

Blythe, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 16, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Blythe, CA
Aircraft
Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18-A
Tail Number
N92640
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX96LA113

The pilot attempted a takeoff with a full load of chemical and water from a 2,500-foot dirt strip. The aircraft did not get airborne, veered off to the right side of the runway, collided with a canal, and then bounced over the canal and collided with the ground where the gear separated from the aircraft. The pilot indicated that the engine tachometer and manifold pressure were in the normal ranges and that the airplane just wouldn't lift off. He stated that he didn't look at the airspeed indicator during the takeoff. There were no mechanical problems reported.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's premature lift-off and subsequent loss of control due to his failure to monitor the airspeed indicator during the takeoff roll.

Full Narrative

On February 15, 1996, at 1700 hours Pacific standard time, a WSK PZL Mielec M-18-A, N92640, an aerial application spray aircraft, collided with the terrain during an attempted takeoff from a 2,500-foot-long dirt strip. The operation was under 14 CFR Part 137 when the accident occurred. The aircraft was destroyed and the commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time. The pilot stated that the tachometer and manifold gauges were in the normal ranges and that he did not look at the airspeed indicator prior to takeoff. He said the aircraft just wouldn't lift-off. The aircraft veered off to the right side of the runway and collided with a canal. It then bounced to the other side, where the landing gear sheared off the aircraft. The aircraft was loaded with about 2,800 pounds of chemical and water, which is a normal load according to the operator. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the aircraft prior to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 PST
Nearest AirportDirt Strip (0nm)
Runway0
Runway Length2500 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWsk Pzl Mielec M-18-A
Tail NumberN92640
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPzl-Kalisz · ASZ62IK · Reciprocating · 987
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data