NTSB Factual Report

On July 11, 2007, approximately 1050 central daylight time, a single-engine WSK-PZL Mielic M-18A agricultural airplane, N4305T, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power while maneuvering near Tunica, Mississippi. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the tailwheel-equipped airplane, sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was registered and operated by a private individual. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight.

The flight originated at 0930 from the Tunica Municipal Airport (UTA), which is a non-towered public use airport. The pilot was not in communication with air traffic control during the flight.

In a telephone interview with representatives of the NTSB and the FAA, the pilot reported that he was maneuvering during a local aerial application flight when the aircraft engine began to lose power. The pilot checked his fuel gauges and reported both tanks indicated one-quarter capacity remaining. Due to his low proximity to the ground, the pilot was unable to safely restore engine power and the pilot elected to perform a forced landing in a cornfield.

Upon landing, the airplane's left main landing gear collapsed, and subsequently the airplane nosed-over and came to rest in the inverted position. The wreckage of the airplane was located in a field about 6 miles southwest of the Tunica Municipal Airport (UTA). Additionally, the Operator reported that if the airplane's fuel quantity was low, it was possible to "unport" the fuel pickup in a "pushover" maneuver.

The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single engine land, multi-engine land, and instrument airplane. The pilot's most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued August 8, 2006. The pilot had accumulated a total of 1,137 flight hours, with 133 hours in this make and model airplane.

The 1991 WSK-PZL Mielic M-18A was a low-wing, tailwheel-equipped airplane configured for aerial application. The airplane was powered by a WSK-PZL ASZ-62TR-M18 engine. The last annual inspection was performed on February 12, 2007. The total time on the airframe, at the time of the inspection, was 5,665 hours. The reason for the reported loss of engine power was not found.

At 1520, the automated weather reporting station at KUTA, approximately six miles from the accident site, reported winds calm, visibility 10 statute miles, ceiling broken at 1,400 feet, temperature 81 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and a barometric pressure setting of 30.05 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.