N8553L

On June 15, 1998, approximately 0745 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-25-235 "Pawnee," N8553L, registered to and operated by Western Aviation, Inc., and being flown by a commercial pilot, was destroyed during collision with terrain during an emergency descent following a total power loss on initial climb. The pilot escaped with minor injuries and a post crash fire consumed the airframe. Visual meteorological conditions existed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was departing to apply fertilizer to a field, was to have been operated under 14CFR137.

The pilot reported that at 250 feet above ground, after taking off on runway 19 at McCarley Field, Blackfoot, Idaho, he experienced a sudden and total loss of engine power. He reported dumping the fertilizer load, and attempting to maneuver to a nearby interstate highway for an emergency landing, but lost control of the aircraft prior to ground impact. The reason for the loss of power was not determined.