# NTSB FTW96LA260: Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18, N6210Z, Prescott, AR, June 17, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 17, 1996, 10:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Prescott, AR
- Coordinates: 33.800865, -93.380325 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8009&lon=-93.3803&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 18, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19873
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA260
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19873/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA260

## Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to improper fuel.  Factors were the pilot's inadequate preflight and lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - roll/run
  - fluid,fuel - improper (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - terrain condition - drop-off/descending embankment
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

The pilot reported that immediately after liftoff the engine 'lost power' and the 'airplane stalled back to the ground.'  The aircraft overran the departure end of the runway and continued down an embankment where the landing gear separated from the fuselage.  Postcrash examination of the engine revealed the presence of non-approved fuel.

## Factual narrative

On June 17, 1996, at 1000 central daylight time, a WSK PZL Mielec M-18, N6210Z, registered to and operated by Ag Air Service of Hughes, Arkansas, under Title 14 CFR Part 137, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Prescott, Arkansas.  The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight that was originating at the time of the accident.  No flight plan was filed.

The pilot reported that immediately after liftoff the engine "lost power" and the "airplane stalled back to the ground."  The pilot further reported that the aircraft overran the departure end of the runway and continued down an embankment where the landing gear was separated from the fuselage.  The aircraft's fuselage and both wings were subsequently structurally damaged before coming to rest in a field.

Post-crash examination of the engine, by an FAA inspector, revealed the presence of none approved fuel.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6210Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6210Z-2002-07-12), registration cancelled 2002-07-12, S/N 1Z009-13, built 1982 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18
- Registry model: [WSK PZL Mielec M-18 DROMADER](https://openairdocs.org/model/wsk-pzl-mielec-m-18-dromader) (registry code 9810104) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Wsk-Pzl-K PZL ASZ-62IR](https://openairdocs.org/engine/wsk-pzl-k-pzl-asz-62ir) (registry code 67203, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1Z009-13
- Engines: Wsk Pzl Miele ASZ-62IR 986 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Ag Air Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 20,000 total, 100 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 75 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TXK, 48 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 19960617014229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960617014229A), Jun 17, 1996: Wsk M18DROMADER, Prescott, AR, Substantial damage. Lost powr on takeoff, crashed and lost landing gear. (-23) on takeoff aircraft backfired, lost power, landed at end of runway, went down ravine and stopped.…

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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