N2177Q

On June 16, 1995, at 0830 central daylight time, a Melex M18, N2177Q, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of power near Cherry Valley, Arkansas. The commercial pilot was not injured. The agricultural airplane, owned and operated by Cartillar Flying Service, was being operated under Title 14 CFR Part 137 when the accident occurred. The aerial application flight originated at a local airstrip approximately 0730 CDT and was applying fertilizer to a nearby field. A flight plan was not filed and visual meteorological conditioned prevailed.

The pilot reported, that after he completed applying fertilizer to a field, the airplane "ran out of fuel" and lost power. During the ensuing emergency descent he maneuvered the airplane to clear power lines and was forced to land in a wheat field. During the landing, the airplane "spun around" and the wings were structurally damaged. The pilot further reported that he had last fueled the airplane on the previous day.