Primary finding
Probable cause
Loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s).
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the turn to reverse direction the pilot added power but the engine failed to respond and lost power. A forced landing was made into a cotton field straight ahead resulting in structural damage to the airplane. Examination of the engine by the operator failed to disclose any anomalies that would have prevented normal engine operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 9, 1994, at 2020 central daylight time, a Callair A-5T, N96084, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Fabens, Texas. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight. The pilot reported that he departed the Fabens Airport with a total of 15 gallons of fuel, with a load of 80 gallons of chemical to spray a nearby onion field. The first spray pass was completed without problems. The pilot stated that he added power but the engine failed to respond, and lost power during his turn to reverse direction for the next pass. The pilot further stated that he elected to execute a forced landing straight ahead into a cotton field. Damage to the airplane included structural damage to the right wing spar, the separation of the powerplant from its mount, and the deformation of the aft fuselage. Examination of the engine by the operator failed to disclose any anomalies that would have prevented normal engine operation. -