NTSB Factual Report

On August 13, 2005, approximately 1730 central daylight time, a single-engine Cessna A188B agricultural airplane, N9101R, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power while maneuvering near, Joiner, Arkansas. The airline transport rated pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained serious injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by Douglass Company, LLC, of Somerville, Tennessee. Visual metrological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The local flight originated from the Osceola Municipal Airport (7M4) near Osceola, Arkansas, approximately 1700.

The 51,000-hour pilot stated in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), that he had just sprayed a cotton field and was descending the last 50 feet to a spraying height of eight feet above the ground. The pilot added that he had lined up for another pass and was prepared to begin the application when he heard "a loud external noise in front of the windshield." The pilot then stated that the engine "instantly shut down" and the airplane began to "drop straight down" into the cotton field.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the main landing gear folded aft, and the engine firewall was damaged. Fuel was present and drained from the right fuel tank, and no fuel was present in the left fuel tank. The fuel tank selector valve was found positioned to the left fuel tank position.

The airplane was recovered to the facilities of Dawson Aircraft, Inc., near Clinton, Arkansas, for further examination on August 18, 2005.

Examination of the Continental IO-520 engine by a representative of Teledyne-Continental Motors, under the supervision of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector was conducted on September 12, 2005, at the facilities of Dawson Aircraft, Inc. The examination of the engine revealed the cylinder compressions were as follows: 1) 10/80, 2) 17/80 3) 0/80, 4) 40/80, 5) 0/80, 6) 26/80. The starter assembly had separated. The oil sump was removed and small amounts of debris were found. There were approximately four quarts of oil drained from the oil sump. The fuel strainer was found corroded to its mount, and the screen was partially clogged with debris. The mixture and throttle cables were found safety wired to a bracket. Safety wire was found on the throttle plate linkage arm in place of a spring that was originally attached to the arm through a central hole; the spring could not be found.

At 1753, the automated surface observing system at the Blytheville Municipal Airport (KBYH), near Blytheville, Arkansas, located approximately 34 miles north east of the accident site reported wind from 230 degrees at 10 knots, visibility of 10 statute miles, clear sky, temperature 95 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and a barometric pressure of 29.86 inches of Mercury.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.