Accident Details
On May 26, 2012, at about 1025 eastern daylight time, a Cessna A188B, registration N9629G, operated by Rebecca Lynn Flying Service, Inc., collided with trees during a forced landing near Dansville, New York. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application operation. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Hornell Municipal Airport, Hornell, New York, approximately 25 minutes before the accident. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries, and the airplane incurred substantial damage.
According to the pilot, the aircraft departed with 7/8 capacity fuel in each tank and about 11 quarts of oil in the engine. After takeoff, the flight proceeded to the spray location, where approximately 20 spray passes were completed. At the end of the next spray pass or nearing the end of the load, the engine lost power insufficient to sustain flight. At that time, the fuel tanks still contained about 3/4 capacity. The pilot maneuvered for a forced landing, and during the descent, the airplane struck trees. The aircraft came to rest on its right side with the left wing separated. The airplane was recovered for further examination.
Engine Inspection
An inspection of the engine was conducted by a representative of the engine manufacturer under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversight. FAA airworthiness inspectors also examined the airframe. The airframe inspection revealed both wings were separated. Examination of the cockpit found the electric fuel boost pump switch in the off position. The engine controls remained attached to the throttle body/metering unit and moved freely by hand from stop to stop. Crankshaft, camshaft, and valve train continuity were confirmed. Clean blue-colored fuel consistent with 100 low lead (100LL) was noted in fuel lines in the engine compartment. Hand rotation of the crankshaft produced spark at the upper ignition leads (the bottom leads were not inspected during this test). Spark plugs exhibited normal operating signatures when compared to the Champion Aviation Check-A-Plug chart. The engine-driven fuel pump rotated freely, and its drive coupling was intact. Examination of the oil filter revealed oil and a small amount of blue and orange colored flakes; the orange flakes were consistent with the coating on valve springs. The engine was removed from the airframe, boxed, and sent to the manufacturer’s facility for an attempted engine run.
Engine Test Results
At the manufacturer’s facility, with FAA oversight, the engine was removed from bonded storage. Impact-damaged components were replaced for the test. The engine was placed on a test stand with a test club propeller installed. Due to impact damage to the crankshaft, safety concerns precluded a full operational test. The engine was started, allowed to warm up, and then operated normally throughout the tested power range. A report from Continental Motors, Inc. is contained in the NTSB Public Docket for this case.
The engine had been rebuilt by Continental Motors, Inc. on April 16, 2012, and installed in the accident airplane on May 25, 2012. The recorded tachometer time at installation was 301.1 hours, and at the time of the accident it was 302.7 hours, indicating an elapsed time of 1.6 hours.