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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

September 11, 1998 · Wsk Pzl Mielec PZL M18B · N4450M

Tappen, ND

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 11, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Tappen, ND
Aircraft
Wsk Pzl Mielec PZL M18B
Tail Number
N4450M
Operator
Michael Kratz
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI98LA337

The pilot said that the airplane lifted off normally, but then wanted to set back down. The pilot lowered the flaps to 15-degrees in hopes of keeping the airplane from settling. Lowering flaps did not seem to help. The pilot said that he then went for the dump handle, but could not find it initially. When he did find it, the airplane impacted into a swamp just off the end of the 3,000 foot long airstrip. Examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies. According to the Takeoff Distance Chart in the PZL M18B Aircraft Flight Manual, an airplane with atomizers and zero flaps extended, weighing 10,700 pounds, at a temperature of 33 degrees Centigrade, and zero headwind, will require a takeoff distance of approximately 3,600 feet.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper preflight preparation resulting in the airplane exceeding the available airstrip distance during takeoff. A factor contributing to this accident was the swamp.

Full Narrative

On September 10, 1998, at 1910 central daylight time (cdt), a WSK-PZL Meilec PZL M18B, N4450M, operated by a commercial pilot, was destroyed when just after takeoff the airplane impacted into a swamp. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The aerial application flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 137. There was no flight plan on file. The pilot reported no injuries. The local flight was originating at a private airstrip 3 and 1/2 miles north of Tappen, North Dakota. In his written statement, the pilot said that the airplane lifted off normally, but then wanted to set back down. The pilot lowered the flaps to 15-degrees in hopes of keeping the airplane from settling. Lowering flaps did not seem to help. The pilot said that he then went for the dump handle, but could not find it initially. When he did find it, the airplane impacted the ground. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane at the scene. The airplane was resting upright in a swamp off the end of a 3,000 foot long airstrip. The right wing was curled up. The left wing was bent upward at the root, approximately 45 degrees. The airplane's fuselage was broken into three pieces. The propeller showed torsional bending and chordwise scratches. Flight control continuity was confirmed. No anomalies were found with the engine, engine controls, or other airplane systems. According to the Takeoff Distance Chart in the PZL M18B Aircraft Flight Manual, an airplane with atomizers and zero flaps extended, weighing 10,700 pounds, at a temperature of 33 degrees Centigrade, and zero headwind, will require a takeoff distance of approximately 3,600 feet.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:10 CDT
Nearest AirportSitzman Farm (1nm W)
Runway27
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWsk Pzl Mielec PZL M18B
Tail NumberN4450M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorMichael Kratz
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsWsk Pzl Kalis · ASZ-6ZIR-M18 · Reciprocating · 967
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 38 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time23:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data