N731MF

On October 24, 1994, at about 0831 eastern daylight time, a Cessna AT188B, N731MF, registered to AG Care Inc., operating as a 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight, experienced a partial loss of engine power in cruise flight. The commercial pilot conducted a forced landing to unsuitable terrain and crashed. The airplane was destroyed and the pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from a private grass strip in the vicinity of Zellwood, Florida, about 1 minute before the accident.

The pilot-in-command stated to the NTSB investigator-in- charge, that he departed Longscott Airport from runway 36 at about 08:30. Upon reaching 200 feet agl, he reduced the throttle to cruise power and made a crosswind turn. The power came back to idle rpm, the pilot immediately applied full throttle; however the power remained at idle rpm. A forced landing was made straight ahead. On touchdown, the main landing gear separated after colliding with furrows running perpendicular to the landing direction. The airplane continued forward, struck a ditch, and nosed over.

Examination of the airplane wreckage by the FAA revealed no determination for the partial loss of engine power could be determined.