N8209Q

On June 19, 2001, approximately 0700 central daylight time, a WSK PZL Mielec M-18A agricultural airplane, N8209Q, registered to and operated by Knox Aerial Spraying Inc., of Brookston, Texas, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during initial takeoff climb from a private grass airstrip near Paris, Texas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to an FAA inspector, who traveled to the accident site, the airplane was taking off to the south from a grass airstrip approximately 3,000 feet long. The airplane was loaded with a full load of fertilizer that was to be applied to a nearby rice field.

In a telephone conversation with the FAA inspector, the 18,000 hour pilot reported that shortly after becoming airborne he experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot further stated that he allowed the airplane to settle back on to the airstrip; however the airplane overran the end of the airstrip, went through the airstrip's perimeter fence, impacted a fence post, and collided with the trunk of a 10-foot tall mature tree. The airplane came to rest headed in a westerly direction perpendicular to the airstrip, approximately 75 yards south of the fence line.

Examination of the airplane revealed that both wings sustained structural damage, the fuselage separated from the airplane aft of the cockpit, and the right main landing gear and tail wheel separated from the airframe during the accident sequence.

The FAA inspector added that examination of the radial engine revealed that the 968-horsepower engine would not rotate. No subsequent determination was made as to why engine rotation was not possible.