# NTSB FTW01LA196: WSK PZL Mielec M-18, N4206B, Dumas, AR, August 7, 2001 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 7, 2001, 11:10 local (16:10 UTC) - Place: Dumas, AR - Coordinates: 33.924999, -91.511108 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.9250&lon=-91.5111&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report April 29, 2003 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 53114 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW01LA196 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/53114/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW01LA196 ## Probable cause The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, maneuvering - aerial application - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - Forced landing, emergency descent/landing - terrain condition - soft - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor) ## Analysis During an aerial application flight, the pilot stated that the "backfire plate started opening and closing" while in the process spraying a field. After he reduced the power and pulled out of the field "everything was normal of about 15 seconds" which was followed by a rough running engine and a total loss of engine power. The pilot maneuvered the airplane into the wind to execute a forced landing. During the landing roll in rough and uneven terrain, the tires sank into the soft ground and the airplane nosed over coming to rest in the inverted position. The reason for the loss of engine power was not determined. ## Factual narrative On August 7, 2001, approximately 1110 central daylight time, a WSK PZL Mielec M-18 agricultural airplane, N4206B, registered to and operated by Bullock’s Flying Service of DeWitt, Arkansas, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power while maneuvering in the vicinity of Dumas, Arkansas. The non-instrument rated commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The flight originated at 1010 from a private grass airstrip near Dumas, Arkansas. In the enclosed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) the pilot reported that the "backfire plate started opening and closing" while he was in the process of spraying a cultivated field. The pilot added that he reduced the power and pulled out of the field to evaluate the situation. He added that "everything was normal of about 15 seconds" which was followed by a rough running engine and a total loss of engine power. The pilot maneuvered the airplane into the prevailing wind to execute a forced landing. During the landing roll in rough and uneven terrain, the tires sank into the soft ground and the airplane nosed over coming to rest in the inverted position. Examination of the airplane revealed structural damage throughout the airframe as well as spar damage to a wing. The reason for the loss of engine power was not determined. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4206B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4206B-2018-01-19), registration cancelled 2018-01-19, S/N 1Z005-07, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: WSK PZL Mielec M-18 - Registry model: [Wsk-Pzl-Mielec PZL-M-18](https://openairdocs.org/model/wsk-pzl-mielec-pzl-m-18) (registry code 9810102) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 1Z005-07 - Engines: PZL-Kalisz ASZ-621R-M18 967 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: Bullock's Flying Service - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, February 9, 2001 - Departed: NONE, Dumas, AR - Destination: NONE, Dumas, AL ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 67; injuries: minor; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review April 30, 2000; seat: center; flight hours: 8,000 total, 6,000 in this make and model, 8,000 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 180° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 95 °F, dew point 66 °F - Altimeter: 29.97 inHg ## 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 20010807024679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010807024679A), Aug 7, 2001: Wsk PZLM18, Dumas, AR, Substantial damage. (-23) Flying in cruise butterfly on intake started fluctuating. Pulled aircraft up and reduced power. Approximately 10 seconds later lost power. Aircraft his… 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.