# NTSB SEA92LA219: WSK PZL Mielec M-18A Dromader, N41891, Rockford, WA, April 13, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 13, 1992, 11:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Rockford, WA
- Coordinates: 47.479602, -117.13906 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.4796&lon=-117.1391&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42914
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA92LA219
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42914/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA219

## Probable cause

IMPROPER USE OF RUDDER TRIM AND POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WAS NOT MAINTAINED AND LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH AIRCRAFT.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - rudder trim - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, descent
  - object - fence

## Analysis

IT WAS REPORTED THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST FLIGHT FOR THE PILOT IN THIS TYPE OF AIRPLANE. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE POSITIONING FLIGHT, PRIOR TO TAKEOFF, THE PILOT DID NOT CORRECTLY SET THE RUDDER TRIM. DURING THE TAKEOFF, AS THE AIRPLANE BECAME AIRBORNE, IT DRIFTED TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE NARROW AIRSTRIP. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE, WHICH SETTLED BACK TO THE GROUND AND THE RIGHT WING STRUCK A FENCE POST.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N41891 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: WSK PZL MIELEC M-18A DROMADER (M-18A DROM)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1Z022-10
- Airframe hours: 292
- Engines: PZL-KALISZ ASZ-621R-M18 986 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Operator: A-1 Aviation Inc.
- Registered owner: A-1 Aviation Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 12, 1992, 92 hours before
- Airport: Private

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 9,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19920413046049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920413046049A), Apr 13, 1992: Wsk M18DROMADER, Rockford, WA, Substantial damage. Lost directional control during takeoff roll on first solo in type. Veered off runway. Had neglected to set trim.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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