N52768

On August 16, 2001, approximately 1125 Pacific daylight time, a WSK PZL Mielec M-18 Dromader, N52768, registered to Western Pilot Service, and operated by the USDA Forest Service, as a local public use firefighting operation, collided with a fence during landing at a private airstrip located about four miles southeast of Ukiah, Oregon. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and company visual flight rules flight- following was in effect. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the commercial pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that he had completed the retardant drop at the fire site and was returning to the airstrip for another load. The landing was made to the south. The pilot reported that the flare was a little high and after the aircraft touched down, it bounced, then settled to the runway. After touchdown, the aircraft veered to the left and the pilot corrected with right rudder and brake application. The pilot stated that the aircraft continued to the left toward a hill and rough terrain so he added power, and back pressure on the flight control. When the aircraft lifted off it started to roll. The pilot reduced power and the right wing contacted the runway. The aircraft touched down on the main landing gear and again bounced and started to drift to the right toward a barn. To avoid a collision with the barn, the pilot again added power and started a left turn. At this time the left wing collided with a steel gate and fence. The aircraft then descended to the ground in a nose down attitude. After ground contact, the aircraft spun around twice before coming to rest.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft at the time of the accident.

The black top runway is 5,000 feet in length and 100 feet wide with a rise in the center. The pilot reported that the wind was variable at about 5 mph at the time.