Primary finding
Probable cause
the loss of engine power due to a fractured accessory (camshaft) drive gear.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The agricultural spray airplane lost engine power while maneuvering over crops. The pilot made a forced landing in a nearby field. Examination of the engine disclosed a fractured camshaft drive gear.
Source record
Factual narrative
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On August 1, 1993, at 0800 Central Daylight Time (cdt), a Cessna 188, N4864Q, owned and operated by Blue Sky Airspray took off from a private airstrip at Nickerson, Kansas. AT 0830 cdt while aerial spraying, the engine quit and the aircraft impacted the ground in a plowed field 9 1/2 miles northeast of Buhler, Kansas. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the left wing, left landing gear, horizontal stabilizer, and tail wheel. The pilot holds a commercial pilot's certificate and had a current airman medical certificate. DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the left wing, left landing gear, horizontal stabilizer and tail wheel. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The pilot, Rodney W. Hicks, was an employee of Blue Sky Airspray, Certificate No. CFJG798C, owned by Wallace D. Cook. AIRCRAFT INFORMATION The aircraft, a Cessna 188, was owned by Wallace D. Cook. The last inspection was an annual performed on 12/17/92. The aircraft had operated 136 hours since last inspection for a total time of 4894 hours. AERODROME INFORMATION Private airport in an uncontrolled area. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION The aircraft received substantial damage. Left wing and landing gear bent. Horizontal stabilizer bent and tail wheel bent. The aircraft impacted the ground in a plowed field with no damage to crops. SURVIVAL ASPECTS The accident was survivable due to low altitude and shoulder harness used by the pilot. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The aircraft was released to the owner Wallace D. Cook on August 2, 1993. Tear down of the engine revealed gear teeth broken off of camshaft drive gear. -