N45051

On January 3, 2003, at 1210 eastern standard time a Mielec PZL-M-18, N45051, registered to and operated by Airwork Enterprises of Florida, Inc., collided with trees following a loss of engine power at the Zipper Farms Airstrip in the vicinity of Immokalee, Florida. The agricultural flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 137, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot was not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from the Immokalee Airport in Immokalee, Florida, at 1145.

The agricultural flight was circular in nature and lasted approximately 20 minutes.The pilot attempted to return to Immokalee Airport when a loss of engine power occurred. According to the pilot, the engine flammed out while the airplane was in a left bank. As the pilot maneuvered for an emergency landing, the left wingtip struck trees, and the airplane collided with the ground. The airplane slid backward and, rotated 180 degrees. According to the pilot, in his preflight planning he did not compute the fuel consumption or reference the pilot operating handbook for the intended flight. The pilot stated he did not refuel the airplane after the initial load bearing trip.

Initial examination of the accident site revealed the airplane came to rest upright on its gear and slightly tilted to the left. No fuel was recovered from the right wing tank, 41 gallons of fuel was recovered from the left fuel tank. The wings and fuselage displayed impact damage. Examination of the airframe, flight controls, engine assemblies and accessories rervealed no anomalies prior to impact. The pilot stated that this accident could have been prevented if he refueled the airplane before the initial load. According to the pilot this airplane is "notorious for poor fuel feeding when low on fuel".