IAD96LA103

The pilot stated that while spraying a corn field with agriculture products he began climbing to clear some trees and noticed that the fuel pressure light was on. He switched on the boost pump and switched fuel tanks however, the engine quit. The aircraft was destroyed when it crashed between two trees and subsequently burned.

History of flight

On July 1, 1996, at about 2000 eastern daylight time, a Aero Command Calair A-9B, N7730V, lost fuel pressure, then engine power while spraying agricultural products near Cloverdale, Ohio. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The airplane was destroyed during the forced landing and post-crash fire. Visual Meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 137, and originated from Continental, Ohio, at approximately 0730.

The pilot stated that he departed Hiltner field, his home at about 0730, to spray a field of corn. He said that the field was in a tight river bottom and as he was about to pull up over some tall trees he noticed that the fuel pressure light was on. He said that he turned on the boost pump and switched tanks but the engine had already quit. He said that he made it over the trees and dumped the rest of his chemicals. The aircraft crashed between two trees. He said he unfastened his restraints and rolled out the right side of the aircraft and crawled away. He said he sustained head injuries, and burns to his left arm, face and back.

Wreckage examination/documentation

On July 18, 1996, the wreckage was examined by an Airworthiness Inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and a representative from Lycoming, the engine manufacturer. The following is a summary of their findings:

The cockpit, left wing and the inboard portion of the right wing were destroyed by impact and subsequent post-crash fire. The empennage remained intact but was impact damaged. The engine remained attached to the fuselage however, most of the accessory section and fuel lines were destroyed by fire, including the left and right magnetos, engine driven fuel pump, and the fuel injector servo. The engine crankshaft could be rotated, and all pistons and valves moved in sequence. There were no pre-existing mechanical failures found during the examination. According to the FAA inspector the aircraft had been fueled prior to the flight.

The propeller remained attached to the engine. One blade was bent forward at the midpoint and the opposite blade had an 'S type' curl at the outboard 1/3 of the blade.