N67AN

On June 20, 1996, at 0950 central daylight time, a Wsk Pzl Mielec AN-2, N67AN, registered to and operated by a private owner, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Weir, Texas. The airline transport rated pilot and his passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. A flight plan was not filed for the flight which originated from Georgetown Municipal Airport, Georgetown, Texas.

The pilot reported the following information to the NTSB and the FAA inspector. During the departure climb from runway 18, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power. Emergency procedures were executed and a forced approach/landing was initiated to a field. While on the approach the pilot observed a ditch running across the proposed landing pathway. The pilot elected to turn the airplane to the right to parallel the ditch. During the landing roll, the pilot attempted to avoid a building by intentionally ground looping the airplane. During this avoidance maneuver, the left wing struck the building.

Examination of the airplane by a FAA inspector revealed that both wings were structurally damaged, and the engine had seized due to an internal failure. The source of the engine's internal failure was not determined.