| Crash location | 35.983333°N, 91.083333°W |
| Nearest city | Clover Bend, AR
35.980905°N, 91.093180°W 0.6 miles away |
| Tail number | N93982 |
|---|---|
| Accident date | 26 May 2005 |
| Aircraft type | PZL-Mielec M18 |
| Additional details: | None |
On May 26, 2005, at 1500 central daylight time, a single-engine PZL-Mielec M18 tailwheel-equipped agricultural airplane, N93982, was substantially damaged following a loss of control during takeoff from a private airstrip near Clover Bend, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, received minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by Hoxie Flying Service, Inc., of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan had not been filed for the local flight.
In a written statement, the 25,960-hour commercial pilot reported that he taken approximately 10 loads (approximately 4,500-lbs per load) from the east-west, 2,500-foot long by 80-foot wide grass-gravel airstrip prior to the accident. On the accident run, the turbine powered airplane lifted-off approximately two-thirds of the way down the runway and subsequently encountered a "twister" just after braking ground. The pilot added that after encountering the twister, the airplane yawed to the right approximately 20 degrees and lost speed and lift. The pilot said he could not maintain altitude and the airplane touched down in a field 50-to-100 feet north of the runway, and slid until the airplane hit a levee and a road.
An examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who traveled to the accident site, revealed structural damage to the fuselage and left wing. The engine, empennage, and landing gear were also damaged.
At 1455, the automated weather observing system at Walnut Ridge (ARG), approximately 10 miles northeast of the accident site, reported wind from 330 degrees at 7 knots, 8 statute miles visibility, few clouds at 4,300 feet, broken clouds at 5,500 feet and 7,000 feet, temperature 81 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 59 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 29.96 inches of Mercury.
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. A contributing factor was the dust devil (whirlwind) encountered.