On April 8, 2002, a Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18A (registration N81705) was involved in an aviation accident near Rockford, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate pre-flight planning/decision to continue the takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the wind gusts. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft failed to climb normally during takeoff from a private airstrip, settled to the ground, and nosed over after the propeller contacted the ground and the engine separated from the firewall.
Incident Overview
The pilot of an aircraft reported that during takeoff from a private airstrip, the initial portion of the takeoff roll was normal. However, after lift-off, the aircraft did not climb as expected. The aircraft continued flying for approximately 100 yards before settling back to the ground.
Sequence of Events
Upon settling, the propeller struck the ground. The impact caused the engine to separate from the firewall, and the aircraft subsequently nosed over. The pilot stated that there was no mechanical failure or malfunction with the aircraft at the time of the accident.
Post-Accident Observations
After the incident, witnesses indicated that a gust of wind had occurred at the end of the takeoff run. The aircraft sustained damage from the propeller ground contact and the nose-over.