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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

July 24, 1988 · Pzl-Mielec M18 · N46831

Bastrop, LA

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 24, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Bastrop, LA
Aircraft
Pzl-Mielec M18
Tail Number
N46831
Operator
Arkla Flyers
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW88DRD16

THIS AG AIRPLANE HAS A HYDRAULIC SYSTEM THAT OPERATES THE BRAKES AND FLAPS. THE ENGINE DRIVEN HYDRAULIC PUMP PROVIDES PRESSURE TO THE PRIMARY SYSTEM FOR NORMAL USE AND ALSO PROVIDES PRESSURE TO AN ACCUMULATOR FOR EMERGENCY USE. THE PRESSURE IN THE ACCUMULATOR CAN PROVIDE PRESSURE FOR SEVERAL FLAP MOVEMENTS PLUS SUFFICIENT EXTRA FOR BRAKE USE. THE PRIMARY SYSTEM AND ACCUMULATOR SYSTEM BOTH HAVE PRESSURE GAUGES. THE PILOT SAW THE PRESSURE DROP ON THE GAUGE AND FLEW TO A SATISFACTORY STRIP AND LANDED. AFTER TOUCHDOWN, THE PILOT SHUTDOWN THE ENGINE. ACFT TRACKED TO RIGHT, CROSSED A LEVEE AND WENT INTO A DRAINAGE DITCH. EXAM OF HYDRAULIC SYSTEM REVEALED A LEAKING SEAL.

Full Narrative

THIS AG AIRPLANE HAS A HYDRAULIC SYSTEM THAT OPERATES THE BRAKES AND FLAPS. THE ENGINE DRIVEN HYDRAULIC PUMP PROVIDES PRESSURE TO THE PRIMARY SYSTEM FOR NORMAL USE AND ALSO PROVIDES PRESSURE TO AN ACCUMULATOR FOR EMERGENCY USE. THE PRESSURE IN THE ACCUMULATOR CAN PROVIDE PRESSURE FOR SEVERAL FLAP MOVEMENTS PLUS SUFFICIENT EXTRA FOR BRAKE USE. THE PRIMARY SYSTEM AND ACCUMULATOR SYSTEM BOTH HAVE PRESSURE GAUGES. THE PILOT SAW THE PRESSURE DROP ON THE GAUGE AND FLEW TO A SATISFACTORY STRIP AND LANDED. AFTER TOUCHDOWN, THE PILOT SHUTDOWN THE ENGINE. ACFT TRACKED TO RIGHT, CROSSED A LEVEE AND WENT INTO A DRAINAGE DITCH. EXAM OF HYDRAULIC SYSTEM REVEALED A LEAKING SEAL.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 CDT
Nearest AirportAGSTRIP (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPzl-Mielec M18
Tail NumberN46831
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorArkla Flyers
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPzl-Kalisz · KALI52 · Reciprocating · 967
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data