# NTSB CHI97LA185: Pzl-Mielec M-18A, N7015N, Manito, IL, June 27, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 27, 1997, 09:50 local (14:50 UTC) - Place: Manito, IL - Coordinates: 40.420604, -89.779571 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4206&lon=-89.7796&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 21, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 10612 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI97LA185 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10612/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA185 ## Probable cause loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s). ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, takeoff - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb - object - wire,transmission - In flight collision with terrain/water, other ## Analysis The pilot reported that he departed runway 22 using 40 inches of manifold pressure. During takeoff climb, the engine lost power. As the pilot attempted to dump the chemical load, the engine regained full power. The pilot reported that the airplane was too low, and it impacted a powerline, then impacted the ground. The airplane bounced back into the air. The pilot reported that he flew back to land, and received confirmation that the landing gear were operable before he landed. He flew for about a total of five minutes before making an uneventful landing. Witnesses reported that the engine sounded fine as the airplane was taxiied back to the hangar. The engine was inspected, and no anomaly was found. ## Factual narrative On June 27, 1997, at 0950, central daylight time, a Pzl Mielec, M-18A, N7015N, operated by Mitchell Flying Service, sustained substantial damage during takeoff when it experienced a loss of power, hit a powerline, and impacted a field. The aircraft was able to become airborne again and returned to land at Manito Mitchell Airport, Manito, Illinois. The 14 CFR Part 137 crop duster had departed the airport on a local aerial application flight. The commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that he departed runway 22 using 40 inches of manifold pressure. During takeoff climb the engine lost power. As the pilot was attempting to dump the chemical load the engine regained power. The pilot reported that the airplane was too low and it impacted a powerline and then impacted the ground. The impact separated the chemical sprayer from the airplane which dumped the chemical load. The airplane bounced back into the air. The pilot reported that he flew back to land but received confirmation that the landing gear were operable before he landed. He flew for about a total of five minutes before making an uneventful landing. Witnesses reported that the engine sounded fine when it taxiied back to the hangar. The engine was inspected by an Airworthiness Inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration and no anomalies were found. ## Aircraft - Registration: N7015N (not matched to a registry record) - Reported make and model: Pzl-Mielec M-18A - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 120-18 - Engines: WSK ASZ-621R-16 954 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: Mitchell Flying Service - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, October 2, 1996, 49 hours before - Departed: C45 - Airport: C45, Manito Mitchell, runway 22, 3,000 × 100 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 64; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 9,500 total, 350 in this make and model, 9,350 as pilot in command, 75 in the last 90 days, 40 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 170° at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 63 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: PIA, 25 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19970627046059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970627046059A), Jun 27, 1997: Manito, IL, No damage. (-23) After departure on runway 22, the aircraft experienced a power loss. The aircraft struck a power line, contacted the ground and then bounced back into… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.