20021122032799A

(-19) On November 22, 2002, approximately 0900 central standard time, a Wsk pzl mielec M18A single-engine agricultural airplane, was substantially following a forced landing after experiencing a partial loss of engine power near big thicket, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by aerial timber applicators of cooperstown, north dakota. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 code of federal regulations part 137 aerial application flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The airplane departed a private grass airstrip at wildwood resort, Texas, at 0850. In a telephone interview with the NTSB accident investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that after completing the first pass while dispersing fertilizer "the engine went to idle power." The pilot stated that attempts to restore power were unsuccessful and the airplane settled into a grove of 20-foot pine trees. The pilot reported that both wing spars sustained substantial damage as a result of impacting the trees. (-23) while performing aerial application of dry fertilizer, the pilot stat ed that "at the end of my first pass, when I pulled the nose of the aircraft up to execute a turn, the aircraft engine went to idle. No matter what I did in the cockpit the engine remained at idle. The fuel pump and the throttle control had no bearing on the operation of the engine. Following the aircraft crash the engine was still idling and I secured the engine by actuating the condition lever and selecting the fuel selector to off." Due to the location of the aircraft the aircraft salvage company that extracted the aircraft took it directly to the salvage company in dallas, Texas. The iic from the NTSB is to arrange for the inspection of the aircraft engine at that location.