Primary finding
Probable cause
a loss of engine power and subsequent engine fire for undetermined reasons.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was making an application pass on a north bound heading when his engine 'coughed' and the engine power failed; and, then the engine regained power. This happened three times prior to making a precautionary landing on a dirt road. After exiting the aircraft, the pilot noticed smoke coming from the engine cowling, almost immediately thereafter he saw fire. The aircraft was subsequently destroyed by the post landing fire. The owner's representative stated that 'the fire damage was so severe that a cause could not be determined.' He further stated that 'it appeared that the fire damage centered around the carburetor.'
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 10, 1996, at 0645 central daylight time, a WSK PZL Mielec M-18A, N80199, was destroyed by fire near McGehee, Arkansas. The commercial pilot was not injured. The aircraft was registered to the Four W Flying Service, Inc., and operated by the Wilson Flying Service under Title 14 CFR Part 137. The flight originated from a private airstrip approximately 45 minutes before the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight, and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported to the investigator-in-charge that while executing an aerial application pass on a north bound heading, the engine "coughed" and temporarily loss power before regaining power. This partial loss of power sequence occurred 3 consecutive times and the pilot elected to execute a precautionary landing on a dirt road. The pilot reported landing without further incident. After exiting the aircraft to initiate the troubleshooting of the engine, the pilot noticed smoke coming from the engine cowling, followed immediately by the presence of fire. The aircraft was subsequently destroyed by the post landing fire. The owner's representative reported to the investigator-in-charge during a telephone interview that "the fire damage was so severe that a cause could not be determined." He further stated that "it appeared that the fire damage centered around the carburetor." -