# NTSB FTW96LA297: Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18A, N80199, Mcgehee, AR, July 10, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 10, 1996, 06:45 local (11:45 UTC)
- Place: Mcgehee, AR
- Coordinates: 33.619407, -91.390296 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.6194&lon=-91.3903&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 18, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19902
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA297
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19902/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA297

## Probable cause

a loss of engine power and subsequent engine fire for undetermined reasons.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, maneuvering
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Fire, standing
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
  - miscellaneous,engine - fire

## Analysis

The pilot reported that he was making an application pass on a north bound heading when his engine 'coughed' and the engine power failed; and, then the engine regained power.  This happened three times prior to making a precautionary landing on a dirt road.  After exiting the aircraft, the pilot noticed smoke coming from the engine cowling, almost immediately thereafter he saw fire.  The aircraft was subsequently destroyed by the post landing fire.  The owner's representative stated that 'the fire damage was so severe that a cause could not be determined.'  He further stated that 'it appeared that the fire damage centered around the carburetor.'

## Factual narrative

On July 10, 1996, at 0645 central daylight time, a WSK PZL Mielec M-18A, N80199, was destroyed by fire near McGehee, Arkansas.  The commercial pilot was not injured.  The aircraft was registered to the Four W Flying Service, Inc., and operated by the Wilson Flying Service under Title 14 CFR Part 137.  The flight originated from a private airstrip approximately 45 minutes before the accident.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight, and no flight plan was filed.

The pilot reported to the investigator-in-charge that while executing an aerial application pass on a north bound heading, the engine "coughed" and temporarily loss power before regaining power.  This partial loss of power sequence occurred 3 consecutive times and the pilot elected to execute a precautionary landing on a dirt road.

The pilot reported landing without further incident.  After exiting the aircraft to initiate the troubleshooting of the engine, the pilot noticed smoke coming from the engine cowling, followed immediately by the presence of fire.  The aircraft was subsequently destroyed by the post landing fire.

The owner's representative reported to the investigator-in-charge during a telephone interview that "the fire damage was so severe that a cause could not be determined."  He further stated that "it appeared that the fire damage centered around the carburetor."

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N80199](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N80199-1998-04-04), registration cancelled 1998-04-04, S/N 1Z02511 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18A
- Registry model: [WSK PZL Mielec M-18A](https://openairdocs.org/model/wsk-pzl-mielec-m-18a) (registry code 9810103) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1Z025-11
- Airframe hours: 575
- Engines: WSK PZL Kalis PZL ASZ 967 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Wilson Flying Service
- Registered owner: Four W. Flying Service Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 2,800 total, 550 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 10° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Observed at: GLH, 30 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 19960710046159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960710046159A), Jul 10, 1996: Wsk M18A, Mcgehee, AR, No damage. (-23) Engine suffered power failure and regained power three times. Pilot made forced landing due to coughing engine. Aircraft landing was normal. Pilot…

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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