N7015K

On July 7, 2000, at 0830 mountain daylight time, a WSK-PZL Mielec, M-18A, N7015K, operated by a commercial pilot, sustained substantial damage when it impacted the terrain, 8 miles west of Champion, Nebraska. Subsequent to the accident, the airplane, while maneuvering to set up for a chemical application pass, experienced a flight control malfunction. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot reported no injuries. The local flight originated at Imperial, Nebraska.

In his written statement, the pilot said that he was spraying through a field, when the nose of the airplane pitched downward. The pilot said he applied full back pressure with no success in pulling the nose up. The airplane impacted the ground.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane wreckage. On his arrival, the inspector found the airplane loaded on a tractor trailer with the wings removed. Examination of the airplane showed the propeller blades curled aft. The aft fuselage and empennage were wrinkled. The elevator was broken out. The landing gear was broken aft. Examination of the airplane, in this configuration, revealed no anomalies.