On August 7, 2001, a Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18 (registration N4206B) was involved in an aviation accident near Dumas, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an aerial application flight, the pilot experienced a rough running engine and total loss of power, leading to a forced landing where the airplane nosed over in soft terrain. The cause of the power loss could not be determined.
Incident Overview
An aerial application airplane experienced a total loss of engine power during a spraying operation, resulting in a forced landing and subsequent nose-over. The pilot reported that the backfire plate began opening and closing while the aircraft was spraying a field. After reducing power and pulling out of the field, the engine operated normally for about 15 seconds before becoming rough and losing all power.
Forced Landing
The pilot maneuvered the airplane into the wind to execute a forced landing. During the landing roll on rough and uneven terrain, the tires sank into the soft ground, causing the airplane to nosed over and come to rest inverted.
Engine Examination
An examination of the wreckage and engine did not determine a reason for the loss of engine power. The cause remains unknown.