FTW98LA266

The agricultural airplane impacted the ground in an uncontrolled descent following a loss of engine power during the initial takeoff climb. After takeoff, the pilot initiated a left turn, and at an altitude of 100 to 200 feet agl, the engine lost power. According to the pilot, the airplane immediately rolled to the left, and he was unable to return it to level flight. He dumped the load of insecticide, and the airplane impacted the ground nose first. The engine separated from the fuselage, and the airplane came to rest nose down. Examination of the engine revealed no evidence of any discrepancies that would have precluded engine operation.

On June 13, 1998, at 0900 central daylight time, a Cessna A188B agricultural airplane, N4911R, impacted the ground in an uncontrolled descent following a loss of engine power during initial takeoff climb near McGehee, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The airplane, which was registered to and operated by Vector Disease Control, Inc., of De Witt, Arkansas, was substantially damaged. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 137 local aerial application flight that was originating from the McGehee Municipal Airport at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported that after takeoff on runway 18, he initiated a left turn, and at an altitude between 100 to 200 feet agl, "the engine made one loud bang and quit producing power." The pilot further reported that the airplane "immediately rolled to the left," and he was "unable to get the airplane to level flight." He dumped the load of insecticide, and the airplane "impacted the ground nose first a few seconds later."

The FAA inspector who responded to the accident site reported that the engine separated from the fuselage, and the airplane came to rest nose down. Both wings sustained leading edge damage, and the right wing was partially separated from the fuselage.

The engine was disassembled and examined under the supervision of an FAA inspector on August 3, 1998. According to the FAA inspector, no discrepancies were found that would have precluded engine operation.