On July 11, 2007, a Wsk-pzl Mielic M-18A (registration N4305T) was involved in an aviation accident near Tunica, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing 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.
A tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a loss of engine power during an aerial application flight. The pilot performed a forced landing in a cornfield, during which the left main landing gear collapsed and the aircraft nosed over, coming to rest inverted. The reason for the power loss could not be determined.
Accident Overview
A tailwheel-equipped airplane was conducting an aerial application flight when the engine lost power. The commercial pilot, who held 1,137 total flight hours, was maneuvering locally when the radial engine began to lose power. The pilot checked the fuel gauges and observed that both tanks indicated one-quarter capacity remaining.
Due to the aircraft's low altitude, the pilot was unable to restore engine power safely and opted to execute a forced landing in a cornfield. During the landing, the left main landing gear collapsed. The aircraft subsequently nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position.
Investigation Findings
An investigation was conducted into the incident. The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined.