FTW99LA187

The agricultural airplane experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from the operator's private airstrip. The pilot turned toward a cotton field and the aircraft started to descend into the field. The left wing impacted the ground, and the airplane turned around 180 degrees before it came to rest upright. The operator test ran the engine twice following the accident and could find no anomalies that would have prevented the operation of the engine.

On July 8, 1999, at 1230 central daylight time, a Piper PA-25-260 agricultural airplane, N8561L, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Wallis, Texas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was owned and operated by Double L Flying Service of Wallis, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. A flight plan was not filed for the local flight. The airplane was departing at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported that the aircraft experienced a "significant loss of power, followed shortly thereafter by a complete loss in power" after takeoff. The pilot made a right turn toward a cotton field, and the aircraft began to descend. The FAA inspector stated that physical evidence in the cotton field revealed that the "aircraft's landing gear skimmed the cotton field for about 300 feet before contacting the ground." Approximately 75 feet beyond the initial touchdown point, the left wing impacted the ground. The aircraft then continued for another 20 feet before making a 180 degree left turn and coming to rest upright.

During a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge, the operator stated that he test ran the engine both in the field before moving the aircraft, and later, at the operator's hanger. He stated that the engine "ran wide open for several minutes," and he found "no problem with the engine."

According to the FAA inspector, the inboard section of the left wing was "flattened" and the wing was bent upward, the right wing sustained leading edge damage, and the propeller blade tips were bent.