20020802016609A

(.19) On August 2, 2002, at 1220 central daylight time, a Piper PA-36-285 single-engine agricultural airplane, N57597, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine while maneuvering near Altus, Oklahoma. The airplane was registered to and operated by Altus ag air, of Altus. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 code of federal regulations part 137 aerial application flight. The local flight originated from stewart airport, Altus, Oklahoma. According to the FAA inspector, the pilot reported in a telephone interview that he had just completed a spray run when the engine lost power. A forced landing was initiated, and during the forced landing one wing partially separated from the airframe. (-23) pilot stated that he was in cruise flight when he heard a bang sound and lost all power. The airplane impacted the ground right side up. The pilot was uninjured. Inspection of the airplane indicates separation at the exhaust duct, damaged power turbine vanes, and power turbine stator vanes. Th e rgb was also separted exposing the sun and planetary gears. The right landing gear and tail wheel were detached from the fuselage. The left wheel and tire assembly were also detached from the left strut. The spray pump, fuselage and wing suffered minor damage.