On June 20, 1997, a Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18A (registration N148RA) operated by Leon E. Jacobi was involved in an aviation accident near Waldenburg, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper planning/decision. The short runway and failure to use up to 10 degrees of flaps were related factors. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A fully loaded agricultural airplane failed to become airborne during takeoff, overran the 2,100-foot runway, and struck a ditch. Postaccident inspection found flaps in full up position; the operator typically used flaps for takeoff.
Accident Description
During the takeoff roll, a fully loaded agricultural airplane was unable to become airborne. It overran the 2,100-foot runway and impacted the lip of a ditch at the runway's end. The airplane was operating as an agricultural aircraft.
Postaccident Inspection
The operator performed a postaccident inspection of the airplane, which disclosed that the flaps were set to the full up position. The operator stated that he normally employed flaps for takeoff. The airplane flight manual indicated that takeoff flap settings up to 10 degrees were approved for use as conditions required.
Flight Manual Specifications
According to the flight manual, flap settings for takeoff up to 10 degrees were permissible when necessary. This provision allowed the pilot to select flap deflection as needed for the takeoff conditions.