FTW03LA181

The agricultural airplane departed with 160 gallons of chemical herbicide and the fuel tanks half full. According to the pilot, during the initial takeoff climb, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power, and he attempted a forced landing to a road. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined. An examination of the fuel system by the FAA inspector revealed no signs of fuel contamination, the fuel boost pump was operated within limits, and all fuel controls were in the correct position.

On June 16, 2003, at 1700 central daylight time, a Piper PA-36-300 agricultural airplane, N3715E, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power, near Gruver, Texas. The instrument rated commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, received minor injuries. The airplane was owned and operated by Hansford Air, Inc., of Spearman, Texas. The flight was operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight for which a flight plan was not filed. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, the airplane departed from runway 20 at the Gruver Municipal Airport (E19) with 160 gallons of chemical herbicide and fuel tanks half full. During initial takeoff climb, as the pilot initiated a turn towards the field to be sprayed, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot reported that he attempted to land on County Road 1296; however, the airplane landed hard on the east shoulder of the road, collapsing the main landing gear. The airplane slid across the roadway, collided with two fence posts and came to rest on the barbed-wire fence, with the left wing in an irrigation pond.

The 1978-model restricted category airplane, serial number 36-7960052, had accumulated a total of 4,499 hours. The 300-horsepower Lycoming IO-540-K1G5 engine had accumulated a total of 969.7 hours since its last overhaul. A review of the maintenance records for the airplane by the FAA Inspector did not revealed any overdue inspections or maintenance anomalies.

On the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the 11,000-hour pilot stated that he was scheduled to spray a field that was located about 6 miles north of Gruber. The pilot added that as the engine began losing power, he activated the electric fuel boost pump, but to no avail.

An examination of the fuel system, by the FAA inspector, revealed the presence of fuel and no sign of fuel contamination. The fuel boost pump was operated within limits and engine control continuity was established. The left wing sustained structural damage, while the underside of the airplane, the 3-bladed propeller, the engine cowling, and the attaching points for the main landing gears were also damaged. The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined.