# NTSB FTW88LA093: Pezetel PZL-M-18, N4226V, Cheneyville, LA, April 25, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 25, 1988, 10:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Cheneyville, LA
- Coordinates: 31.009653, -92.280395 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.0097&lon=-92.2804&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 3, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22634
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW88LA093
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22634/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW88LA093

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - flight control,rudder - failure,partial (cause)
  - flt control syst,elevator control - inadequate (contributing factor)
  - precautionary landing - attempted
- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT SAID THAT AFTER TAKEOFF THE AIRCRFT SEEMED EXTREMELY TAIL-HEAVY AND THAT HE USED 'BOTH FEET AND ONE ARM' TO HOLD FORWARD STICK. HE SAID THE AIRCRAFT WAS ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE IN PITCH AND DISPLAYED A RIGHT TURNING TENDENDCY. THE PILOT RETURNED TO THE AIRPORT, ATTEMPTING TO LAND DOWNWIND ON THE TAKEOFF RUNWAY. HE REDUCED POWER AT 100 FEET AGL AND THE RIGHT WING HIT THE GROUND. THE AIRCRAFT HAD PREVIOUSLY HAD RUDDER FAILURE PROBLEMS IN FLIGHT BUT WERE BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN FIXED. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE UPPER 1/3 OF THE RUDDER WAS BENT 45 DEGREES TO THE LEFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4226V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4226V-2015-05-05), registration cancelled 2015-05-05, S/N 1Z00504 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PEZETEL PZL-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: 1200504
- Airframe hours: 1704
- Engines: PZL-Kalisz ASZ-61IR 1000 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Vaughn Flying Service, Inc.
- Registered owner: Vaughn Flying Service Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 14, 1988
- Departed: LA81
- Airport: LA81, Cheneyville, runway 36, 3,500 × 65 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 7,965 total, 1,200 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 235° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F

## 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 19880425013969A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880425013969A), Apr 25, 1988: Wsk M18DROMADER, Cheneyville, LA, Substantial damage. Pilot reported tail heavy condition on takeoff. Circled near stall and struck a wing landing. Rudder bent on impact

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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