Incident Overview
On July 23, 2011, at approximately 0930 central daylight time, a Cessna A188B (registration N9234R) experienced a total loss of engine power while maneuvering over a field near Mount Hamill, Iowa. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was uninjured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the airframe. The aircraft was registered to and operated by Air Advantage Inc under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight, which had departed from Mount Pleasant Municipal Airport (MPZ), Mount Pleasant, Iowa, at about 0840.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that he was lining up the airplane for the final spray pass of a corn field when he noticed the environment becoming quieter and the controls less responsive. He checked the gauges and observed that airspeed and fuel pressure were low. He then turned to fly away from the corn field and activated the emergency boost pump. Subsequently, he conducted a forced landing to a soybean field located south of the corn field. During the landing, the left wing struck the ground upon touchdown, followed by the right wing contacting the ground. The airplane then nosed over and skidded on its nose before coming to rest on its landing gear.
Post-Incident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane and found that the right fuel tank was empty, while the left fuel tank was nearly half full. The inspector noted that the make and model of the airplane does not include a fuel system check valve to prevent fuel migration from the opposite wing tank and/or header tank during turns.
Probable Cause
Not stated in the source.