Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power due to improper fuel. Factors were the pilot's inadequate preflight and lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that immediately after liftoff the engine 'lost power' and the 'airplane stalled back to the ground.' The aircraft overran the departure end of the runway and continued down an embankment where the landing gear separated from the fuselage. Postcrash examination of the engine revealed the presence of non-approved fuel.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 17, 1996, at 1000 central daylight time, a WSK PZL Mielec M-18, N6210Z, registered to and operated by Ag Air Service of Hughes, Arkansas, under Title 14 CFR Part 137, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Prescott, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight that was originating at the time of the accident. No flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that immediately after liftoff the engine "lost power" and the "airplane stalled back to the ground." The pilot further reported that the aircraft overran the departure end of the runway and continued down an embankment where the landing gear was separated from the fuselage. The aircraft's fuselage and both wings were subsequently structurally damaged before coming to rest in a field. Post-crash examination of the engine, by an FAA inspector, revealed the presence of none approved fuel. -