Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The commercial pilot reported that he was conducting a solo practice flight in the piston-engine agricultural airplane. After takeoff and just as he started to turn the airplane from the upwind to the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. The pilot initiated an off-airport landing to a field. During the landing roll, the main wheels hit a berm, which resulted in the left main landing gear separating from the airframe. The left wing then struck the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing assembly. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 15, 2013, about 1100 mountain daylight time (MDT), a Cessna T188C, N2167J, was substantially damaged during a precautionary landing shortly after takeoff from Pine Bluffs Municipal Airport (82V), Pine Bluffs, Wyoming. Circle S Aviation, LLC, was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The commercial pilot was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The local solo instructional flight had initially departed Pine Bluffs about 0900. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot reported that the flight was a solo practice flight in the piston engine agricultural airplane. He reported that after takeoff, as he turned from upwind to crosswind, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. The pilot attempted an off airport landing in an agricultural field; during the roll-out in the field, the main wheels hit a dirt berm and the left main gear separated from the airframe. The left wing subsequently contacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing assembly. The operator examined the airframe and engine after the accident without government oversight, and reported no abnormalities were noted that would have precluded normal operation.