# NTSB FTW86FRD25: WSK PZL Mielec PZL-M18, N2710L, Mer Rouge, LA, September 15, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: September 15, 1986, 10:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Mer Rouge, LA
- Coordinates: 32.770992, -91.789382 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.7710&lon=-91.7894&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21958
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86FRD25
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21958/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86FRD25

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
- Fire, other

## Analysis

THE PILOT PULLED UP STEEPLY AT THE END OF A SPRAY RUN AND STARTED A TURN-AROUND. DURING THIS TIME HE ALLOWED THE AIRSPEED TO BLEED OFF TO THE POINT AT WHICH THE AIRCRAFT STALLED AND ENTERED A SPIN WITHOUT SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO RECOVER BEFORE GROUND IMPACT OCCURRED. POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION FAILED TO REVEAL EVIDENCE OF A PREIMPACT AIRCRAFT OR ENGINE PROBLEM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2710L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2710L-2013-09-27), registration cancelled 2013-09-27, S/N 1Z008-02, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: WSK PZL Mielec PZL-M18
- 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: 1Z008-02
- Airframe hours: 2200
- Engines: PZL-KALISZ ASZ-62IR-16 967 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Arkla Flyers,Inc.
- Registered owner: Morris Flying Service, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 1986, 370 hours before
- Departed: MER ROUGE, LA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,750 total, 250 in this make and model, 2,750 as pilot in command, 250 in the last 90 days, 80 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 800 ft overcast
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MLU, 22 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 19860915045179A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860915045179A), Sep 15, 1986: Wsk PZLM18, Mer Rouge, LA, Destroyed. Aircraft struck the ground while making a low level turn during spray run.

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.

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