Casualties unknown

1997-08-23: Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18A (N178RA) — Coopersville, MI

Coopersville, MI, US

On August 23, 1997, a Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18A (registration N178RA) was involved in an aviation accident near Coopersville, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot inadequate fuel system management which led to a fuel starvation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During an agricultural flight, a pilot balanced fuel levels between tanks by slipping the airplane. After balancing, fuel pressure was lost, leading to total engine power loss. The pilot was unable to restart the engine.

Event Overview

An agricultural flight encountered a total loss of engine power after the pilot performed fuel balancing maneuvers. The pilot reported that prior to the incident, the right fuel tank indicated under 1/8 full, while the left fuel tank showed 1/4 full. To balance the fuel levels, the pilot opened the overflow valve and slipped the airplane. This procedure was performed twice, after which both fuel gauges indicated 1/8 full.

Power Loss and Attempted Restart

Following the balancing, fuel pressure was lost and the engine lost all power. The pilot attempted to regain fuel pressure using the wobble pump, but was unable to restart the engine. The pilot did not jettison the chemical load after the power loss.

Post-Incident Actions

The airplane was moved and disassembled by the owner before the fuel tanks could be inspected. According to the owner, the airplane manufacturer stated that fuel feed problems could be caused by an air leak in the cover plates on the fuel tanks. No further details about the cause of the incident were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08594. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.