N148RA

On June 20, 1997, at 1630 central daylight time, a Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18A agricultural airplane, N148RA, was destroyed following a runway overrun on takeoff near Waldenburg, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by G & L Aviation of Tuckerman, Arkansas. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 137 local aerial application flight which was originating at the time of the accident.

During a telephone interview conducted by the NTSB investigator-in-charge and on the enclosed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, the operator reported that the pilot attempted to takeoff from the 2,100 foot private grass airstrip with a full hopper load of 3,300 pounds of fertilizer and 100 gallons of fuel on board. The operator further reported that "the aircraft failed to become airborne" and impacted the lip of a ditch at the end of the runway. The airplane then became airborne briefly before settling back to the ground and coming to rest approximately 100 yards from the end of the runway.

According to the operator, the engine, the propeller, and the tailwheel separated from the fuselage. The main landing gear collapsed. Both wings were buckled, and the fuselage aft of the cockpit was twisted. The operator reported that the right flap was folded under the right wing; however, the left flap sustained only minor damage and appeared to be in the full up position.

Regarding the use of flaps on takeoff, the normal procedures section of the PZL M18A "DROMADER" Flight Manual stated the following: "Flaps - EXTENDED as required. Take-off flap extension shall not exceed 10 degrees regardless of the loading or runway condition." The operator reported that he "normally" used flaps for takeoff.