MIA99LA157

The pilot stated he departed from a private strip to conduct an aerial application flight, and elected not to refuel on the third flight of the day. He was in cruise flight at about 100 feet when the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. He made a right turn towards a forced landing area. The landing gear collided with trees and the airplane crashed. Examination of the airframe, flight control systems, engine assembly and accessories revealed no evidence of a precrash mechanical failure or malfunction. The main fuel tank, and reservoir tank contained only a trace of fuel.

On May 19, 1999, about 1722 central daylight time, a Cessna A-188B, N9212R, registered to Cummings Flying Service Inc., operated by Anguilla Flying Service Inc., as a 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight, experienced a reported total loss of engine power in cruise flight at about 100 feet. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot made a forced landing and collided with trees in the vicinity of Anguilla, Mississippi. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot reported serious injuries. The flight originated from a private aerial application strip in the vicinity of Anguilla, about 58 minutes before the accident.

The pilot stated he departed from the private strip and had made two aerial application flights before departing on the accident flight. Before departing on the accident flight he elected not to refuel the airplane. He arrived at the field site and completed his aerial application run, and started back towards Anguilla. He was in cruise flight at about 100 feet, when the airplane experienced a total loss of power due to fuel exhaustion. He made a right turn towards a forced landing area. The landing gear collided with trees and the airplane crashed about 9/10 of a mile from the end of the runway.

Examination of the airframe, flight controls, engine assembly and accessories revealed no evidence of a precrash mechanical failure or malfunction. Visual examination of the main fuel tank, reservoir tank, and the flow divider revealed only a trace of fuel. No fuel was evident on the ground, and no smell of fuel was present at the crash site. For additional information see FAA and aircraft maintenance specialist statement.