Primary finding
Probable cause
The partial power loss for an undetermined reason. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During a climbing left turn, a part of the engine departed the airplane. The pilot made a decision to return to the airport; however, the engine lost power and the pilot executed a forced landing. During the landing roll, the main gear separated when the airplane struck a dike. An FAA inspector examined the wreckage, portions of which were submerged in water, but was unable to determine that a part came off the engine or what may have caused the reported loss of engine power.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 15, 1995, at 0920 central daylight time, a WSK PZL MIELEC, M-18 Dromader, N7070U, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Jennings, Louisiana. The commercial pilot did not receive injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight operated by Riceland Aviation Inc., under Title 14 CFR Part 137. The flight originated at 0915 and a flight plan was not filed. During interviews, conducted by the investigator-in-charge and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot and operator reported the following information. The flight departed runway 31 at the Jennings Airport and during a left climbing turn a part of the engine departed the airplane. The pilot made a decision to return to the airport; however, "engine power would not respond to an increase of the throttle," and the pilot heard "a big popping sound" as the engine lost power. During the landing roll in a rice field with standing water, the main gear separated when the airplane struck a dike. The airplane came to rest approximately 90 degrees to the direction of landing and about 30 yards from the dike. The FAA inspector examined the airplane and reported damage to the wings, empennage, engine, propeller, and tail wheel assembly. Portions of the airplane were submerged in the water and mud. The reason for the power loss could not be determined. -