Primary finding
Probable cause
The total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons over terrain unsuitable for a forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The agricultural application flight had just departed and was in cruise flight about 100 feet agl when the engine failed suddenly. The pilot executed a forced landing to a field and struck a tree on landing roll. The airplane burst into flames, the pilot escaped and the airplane and engine were consumed by flames. The reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 1, 1994, about 0641 eastern daylight time, N53184, a Cessna C-188B, registered to Indian River Flying Service, crashed in Indian River, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 137 agricultural flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane was destroyed by postcrash fire and the pilot reported no injuries. The flight originated from New Hibiscus Airport about 10 minutes earlier. The pilot was en route to start applying a load of sulfur when he experienced a complete loss of engine power. He attempted a forced landing to a field and the airplane nosed over. After the pilot exited the airplane a fire consumed the airplane. FAA inspectors attempted to examine the engine and airplane but the airplane was destroyed and most of the engine accessories were consumed by fire. -