LAX94LA119

The pilot reported that the aircraft was lightly loaded; yet, after takeoff, it flew and climbed sluggishly. The pilot said he remained in ground effect in an effort to pick up airspeed, but the aircraft failed to respond. The pilot began to dump his load of chemicals to effect a recovery; however, the aircraft continued to settle, touched down in a field, and collided with a tree. The pilot noted that he did not think the engine was producing full rated power. The aircraft and engine were examined by an FAA airworthiness inspector, who reported finding no apparent internal engine failure. All spark plugs displayed excessive black soot deposits on the electrodes. An unidentified contaminant was found throughout the fuel system.

On February 10, 1994, at 1415 Pacific standard time, a Cessna T188C, N2086J, lost power on the takeoff initial climb from a farm airstrip near Winton, California. The aircraft subsequently settled to the ground and collided with trees in a field. The aircraft was owned and operated by Bettencourt AG Flying Service of Delhi, California, and was engaged in aerial application operations. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was destroyed in the multiple obstacle collision sequence. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the mishap as a local area aerial application flight.

In his statement, the pilot reported that the aircraft was lightly loaded; yet, after takeoff, it flew and climbed sluggishly. The pilot said he remained in ground effect in an effort to pick up airspeed, but the aircraft failed to respond. The pilot began to dump his load of chemicals to effect a recovery; however, the aircraft continued to settle, touched down in a field, and collided with a tree. The pilot noted that he did not think the engine was producing full rated power.

The aircraft and engine were examined by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspector from the Fresno, California, Flight Standards District Office. In his report, the inspector stated that he observed no apparent internal engine failure. All spark plugs displayed excessive black soot deposits on the electrodes. An unidentified contaminant was found throughout the fuel system.