# NTSB FTW95LA248: Wsk Pzl Mielec M18, N2177Q, Cherry Valley, AR, June 16, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 16, 1995, 08:30 local (13:30 UTC)
- Place: Cherry Valley, AR
- Coordinates: 35.39949, -90.75045 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.3995&lon=-90.7505&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 19, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19457
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA248
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19457/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA248

## Probable cause

FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REFUEL THE AIRPLANE. 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(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - aerial application
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, emergency descent/landing
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

UPON COMPLETION OF APPLYING FERTILIZER TO A FIELD, THE AGRICULTURAL AIRPLANE LOST POWER AND MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A WHEAT FIELD. DURING THE EMERGENCY DESCENT THE PILOT MANEUVERED THE AIRPLANE TO CLEAR POWER LINES. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE AIRPLANE 'RAN OUT OF FUEL' AND LOST POWER.

## Factual narrative

On June 16, 1995, at 0830 central daylight time, a Melex M18, N2177Q, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of power near Cherry Valley, Arkansas.  The commercial pilot was not injured.  The agricultural airplane, owned and operated by Cartillar Flying Service, was being operated under Title 14 CFR Part 137 when the accident occurred.  The aerial application flight originated at a local airstrip approximately 0730 CDT and was applying fertilizer to a nearby field.  A flight plan was not filed and visual meteorological conditioned prevailed.

The pilot reported, that after he completed applying fertilizer to a field, the airplane "ran out of fuel" and lost power.  During the ensuing emergency descent he maneuvered the airplane to clear power lines and was forced to land in a wheat field.  During the landing, the airplane "spun around" and the wings were structurally damaged.  The pilot further reported that he had last fueled the airplane on the previous day.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2177Q (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Wsk Pzl Mielec M18
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1Z020-24
- Airframe hours: 801
- Engines: PZL-Kalisz PZL-3S 967 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: James R. Cartillar
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 5, 1995, 250 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 2,177 total, 370 in this make and model, 2,034 as pilot in command, 320 in the last 90 days, 196 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 2 knots
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °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 19950616048449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950616048449A), Jun 16, 1995: Wsk M18A, Cherry Valley, AR, Substantial damage. (-16) The pilot stated he allowed the aircraft to run out of fuel while involved in agricultural spraying operations. Damage resulted from the subsequent…

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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