On July 31, 2002, a Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18A (registration N6236M) was involved in an aviation accident near Indianola, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in a stall and the subsequent uncontrolled collision with the ground while maneuvering for an aerial application run. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Witnesses reported varying observations of smoke from the engine compartment of an airplane that was seen flying low over a tree line. Both witnesses agreed the airplane entered a nose-low turning attitude before colliding with the ground.
Accident Sequence
The airplane was observed after departure by witnesses flying low over a tree line. According to witnesses, the airplane subsequently entered a nose-low turning attitude and then collided with the ground. After impact, the airplane came to rest in a nose-down attitude with the engine buried in the ground. The wing assemblies displayed perpendicular crush damage to their leading edges.
Witness Reports
One witness reported seeing blue/gray smoke emanating from the engine compartment, while another witness reported no smoke. Despite this discrepancy, both witnesses agreed that the airplane adopted a nose-low turning attitude prior to the ground collision.
Engine Examination
The engine assembly was removed from the wreckage and transported to an engine repair facility for a teardown examination. The examination revealed impact damage throughout the drive train of the engine. No mechanical problems were identified during the examination.