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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

June 5, 2004 · Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18A · N161RA

Dumas, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 5, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Dumas, AR
Aircraft
Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18A
Tail Number
N161RA
Operator
Perkins Air Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW04LA152

The single-engine, tailwheel-equipped agricultural airplane lost engine power after takeoff from a private grass airstrip. The 16,200-hour pilot reported that he had flown for several hours prior to the accident with no problems. On the last takeoff, the airplane "seemed" to lose power approximately 600 yards beyond the departure end of the runway; however, the gauges indicated that the engine was performing normally. The pilot stated that the airplane had plenty of fuel onboard. The right wing "clipped" a tree, and the airplane spun around, before coming to rest in a field. The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

Full Narrative

On June 5, 2004, approximately 1500 central daylight time, a WSK PZL Mielec M-18A, single-engine, tailwheel-equipped agricultural airplane, N161RA, registered to and operated by a private individual, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power after takeoff from a private grass airstrip, near Dumas, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 local aerial application flight. According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the 16,200-hour pilot reported that he had flown for several hours prior to the accident with no problems. On the last takeoff, the airplane "seemed" to lose power when approximately 600 yards beyond the departure end of the runway; however, the gauges indicated that the engine was performing normally. The pilot stated that the airplane had plenty of fuel onboard. The right wing "clipped" a tree, and the airplane spun around, before coming to rest upright in a field. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who responded to the accident site, revealed that the left landing gear, both wings, the tail, and propellers were sheared off the airplane. The inspector reported that an odor of fuel was present at the accident site; however, no fuel was found in the fuel tanks. The automated surface observing station at Monticello Municipal Airport (LLQ), located 21 nautical miles southwest from the accident site, at 1453 reported the wind direction variable at 6 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clouds scattered at 4,700 feet, temperature 31 degrees Celsius, dew point 18 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 30.01 inches of mercury. The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 CDT
Nearest AirportPrivate Airstrip (0nm S)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWsk Pzl Mielec M-18A
Tail NumberN161RA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPerkins Air Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPzl Mielec · M-18 · Reciprocating · 985
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data