WHEATLEY, AR, USA
N148RA
WSK PZL MIELEC M-18A DROMADER
FOLLOWING A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE TO A BEAN FIELD. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE BEAN PLANTS PILED UP IN FRONT OF THE WHEEL AND THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER TO THE INVERTED POSITION. STRUCTURAL DAMAGE OCCURRED TO THE LEFT WING, HORIZONTAL STABILIZER, AND RUDDER. AN INSPECTION DISCLOSED THAT THE # 5 CYLINDER HEAD WAS CRACKED. CAUSE OF THE CRACK WAS UNDETERMINED.
On August 27, 1994, at 1030 central daylight time, a Mielec M-18A Dromader, was substantially damaged while maneuvering near Wheatley, Arkansas. The commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight. The pilot reported that while applying sodium chlorate to a rice field the engine lost power. During the landing roll in a bean field the plants piled up in front of the wheels and the airplane nosed over to the inverted position. Structural damaged occurred to the left wing, horizontal stabilizer, and rudder. Examination of the engine by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector disclosed that the number 5 cylinder head was cracked. The cause of the crack was not determined.
TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO A CRACKED CYLINDER. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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