On June 19, 2001, a Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18A (registration N8209Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Paris, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the loss of engine power for an undertermined reason. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Shortly after becoming airborne, an airplane's engine lost power. The airplane settled onto a grass airstrip, overran the runway, and struck a fence, fence post, and 10-foot tree. Examination revealed the radial engine would not rotate; the cause of power loss was not determined.
Event Summary
At a time shortly after becoming airborne, the airplane experienced an engine malfunction characterized by a total loss of power. The airplane then descended and made contact with the grass airstrip. Despite the pilot's efforts, the airplane could not be stopped within the runway boundaries. It proceeded beyond the end of the runway, where it struck a fence, a fence post, and a tree that stood 10 feet tall. The airplane ultimately came to a stop oriented perpendicular to the direction of the airstrip.
Engine Examination
A post-event examination of the radial engine was performed. The examination revealed that the engine would not rotate. This condition prevented any further operational testing. Investigators were unable to determine the specific cause of the power loss based on the examination.
Investigation Conclusion
The underlying reason for the engine losing power during the initial climb phase was not identified. The investigation did not establish a definitive cause for the engine failure.