Accident Overview
On August 4, 2017, about 0900 central daylight time, a Cessna A188B, registration N3047J, was substantially damaged when it settled into a bean field after takeoff from runway 18 at Marshall Memorial Municipal Airport (MHL), Marshall, Missouri. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application mission. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that the airplane was loaded with approximately 120 gallons of fertilizer and 54 gallons of fuel at the time of takeoff. The pretakeoff run-up was normal. After takeoff, he reduced engine power for climb, at which point the engine "surged." He responded by increasing throttle slightly, but the engine surged again. Applying full throttle did not allow maintaining a positive climb rate. The airplane subsequently settled into a bean field, struck a fence, and came to rest in an adjoining corn field.
Communication with FAA Inspector
The pilot informed a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that the airplane seemed to be "sagging" after takeoff. He noted that engine indications appeared normal before the accident and that the airplane carried a full load of fertilizer and fuel. Additionally, the pilot stated that the airspeed indicator had been inoperative for some time.
Postaccident Examination
An FAA inspector conducted a postaccident engine examination, which revealed no anomalies consistent with a preimpact loss of engine power. The wing flaps were found at 20 degrees of deflection.
Aircraft Manual and Regulatory Context
The airplane flight manual indicated that the recommended takeoff wing flap setting for restricted category airplanes was 10 degrees, with an approved takeoff range for normal category airplanes of 0 to 20 degrees. It noted that optimum takeoff performance at heavy weights is obtained using 10 degrees of flaps. Federal Aviation Regulation 14 CFR 91.205 requires an operational airspeed indicator for aircraft operating under a standard airworthiness certificate; however, the accident airplane operated under a restricted category airworthiness certificate and was not subject to that requirement.