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August 2, 2018 · Cessna 188 Undesignat · N5523S

Watkins, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 2, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Watkins, MN
Aircraft
Cessna 188 Undesignat (1966)
Tail Number
N5523S
Operator
Classic Arrow
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN18LA311

During the agricultural application flight, the commercial pilot noticed a loss of engine speed (rpm) after completing an application pass. He subsequently observed a decrease in engine oil pressure combined with an increase in oil temperature. As he returned for a forced landing to the corn field being sprayed, the oil pressure was about 7 psi. The pilot indicated that the engine was "coughing" at that point, and he decided to shut the engine down; the loss of engine power was not catastrophic. He subsequently landed in the field, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. A postaccident examination revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Thus, the reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because a postaccident examination revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Full Narrative

On August 2, 2018, about 1035 central daylight time, a Cessna 188 airplane, N5523S, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power near Watkins, Minnesota. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by Classic Arrow Inc. as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 agricultural application flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight was not operated on a flight plan. The local flight originated from the Litchfield Municipal Airport (LJF), Litchfield, Minnesota, about 0945.The pilot reported that the airplane was fully fueled before the flight. After takeoff, he flew about 20 minutes to the field to be sprayed. He proceeded to survey for hazards and completed a few spray passes. He subsequently noted a loss of engine speed (rpm) after completing an application pass. He pushed the propeller control forward in an attempt to increase the engine/propeller speed which was successful for a short period of time. However, the engine speed began to decrease again, and he observed a decrease in oil pressure combined with an increase in the oil temperature. He moved all engine controls – throttle, propeller, and mixture – full forward. As he returned for a forced landing to the corn field being sprayed, the oil pressure was about 7 psi. As the airplane came over the field, the engine was "coughing." After impacting the corn, the airplane "angled up on the nose" before coming to rest. He recalled the weather conditions as "very good," with a light wind, clear sky, and more than 10 miles visibility. The pilot informed a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that the loss of engine power was not catastrophic in nature. Rather, the pilot observed the oil pressure dropping with the oil temperature rising and decided to pull the mixture to shut the engine off. He subsequently landed in the corn field just below the airplane. The FAA inspector reported that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. Postaccident airframe and engine examinations conducted by the inspector revealed no anomalies that could be attributed to a preimpact failure or malfunction.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:35 CDT
Nearest AirportLitchfield Muni (14nm NNE)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 188 Undesignat
Tail NumberN5523S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorClassic Arrow
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470-R · Reciprocating · 230
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 21 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 55
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time15:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data