N135RA

On June 2, 2003, at 0730 central daylight time, a WSK PZL Mielec M-18A, N135RA, operated by Bear Bayou AG Service Inc., sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain during initial climb from a private airfield two miles southeast of Reydell, Arkansas. 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 commercial pilot reported minor injuries. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported he had climbed to about 25 feet above ground level when he encountered a "large whirl wind" that was crossing the airstrip. The airplane rotated 90 degrees to the right and the left landing gear impacted the terrain. The airplane then rotated 130 degrees, the left wing impacted the terrain, and the airplane subsequently nosed over.

The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures during the accident flight.

The winds and temperatures reported by the weather observation facility at Grider Field Airport (PBF), 18 nautical miles to the west of the accident site, were:

Observation time: 0653

Wind Direction: 130 degrees

Wind Speed: 3 knots

Temperature: 21 degrees Celsius

Observation time: 0753

Wind Direction: 130 degrees

Wind Speed: 7 knots

Temperature: 21 degrees Celsius