Accident Overview
On June 12, 2008, at approximately 1400 central daylight time, a Cessna A188B single-engine agricultural airplane, registration N9639G, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Lyons, Kansas. The airline transport pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was registered to Ellinwood Flying Service, Inc., Ellinwood, Kansas, and operated by Rice County Aerial Sprayers, Lyons, Kansas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
Previous Incident
According to the pilot, on May 26, 2008, he experienced an engine problem during an attempted aerial application flight and landed successfully in an open field near the Lyons airport. Maintenance was performed, including new spark plugs and checks of the fuel and oil systems. Subsequently, the airplane underwent several engine test runs and a couple of test flights with no problems noted.
Accident Flight
On the day of the accident, the airplane was loaded with approximately 150 gallons of chemical. After takeoff, the pilot turned the airplane in a direction opposite his intended destination to overfly the airport in case of an emergency. During the initial takeoff climb, the engine ran okay with no problems noted. Approximately 1 to 1.5 miles from the airport, the engine "pulled down," and the pilot could not maintain altitude. The pilot stated, "I am now sure the engine was trying to seize up and I was again forced to land." The pilot elected to perform a forced landing to a field. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted a dirt embankment, went onto its nose, and came to rest upright.
Engine Examination
In 2002, the Continental IO-520-D engine underwent a major overhaul. At the time of the accident, the engine had accumulated approximately 600 hours since major overhaul. The engine underwent its most recent 100-hour inspection on January 15, 2008. Examination of the engine by a Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness inspector revealed no anomalies. The oil filter and oil screens were clear of debris. The reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.