N9566J

On August 31, 2000, about 1045 eastern daylight time, a Cessna T188C, N9566J, registered to and operated by Stricks Air Care, Inc., as a Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight, crashed while attempting a forced landing following loss of engine power near Furman, South Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the commercial-rated pilot received minor injuries. The flight originated from Garnett, South Carolina, the same day, about 1005.

The pilot stated that at about 1045, while spraying, he smelled fuel in the cockpit. He initiated a climb out of the field and at 100 feet the engine lost power. He made a right turn toward a small clearing and set up for an emergency landing. The aircraft cleared power lines and a highway before impacting rough terrain at a slightly nose down attitude. The aircraft then skidded about 50 feet and came to rest. The pilot stated he last fueled the aircraft on August 28, 2000, and that prior to the accident flight he did not physically check the fuel level. The pilot stated he did not have any mechanical malfunctions with the aircraft.

Postcrash examination of the aircraft and crash site by an FAA inspector showed there was no sign of fuel in the aircraft, or fuel stains on the aircraft. There was no odor of fuel or signs of fuel on the ground in the area of the aircraft.