WSK PZL MIELEC M-18A
DeWitt, AR — May 22, 2009
Event Information
| Date | May 22, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN09CA313 |
| Event ID | 20090526X53909 |
| Location | DeWitt, AR |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.31667, -91.63333 |
| Airport | Bullock Flying Service |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | WSK PZL MIELEC |
| Model | M-18A |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 137 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the well stand-pipe during the takeoff climb.
Full Narrative
The pilot completed 5 previous aerial application flights in the airplane without incident. Prior to the 6th flight, the aircraft was refueled and reloaded with fertilizer. Due to a change in the winds; now easterly and with slight gusting conditions, the pilot elected to depart the airstrip heading south. During the takeoff roll, the pilot pulled the nose of the airplane up to clear a well stand-pipe, located at the south end of the runway. As the pilot applied correction for a slight right drift, "the airplane veered to the right, dropped to the ground, and slammed into a levee" finally stopping in an adjacent field. An examination of the well stand-pipe indicated that the aircraft had impacted the top of the pipe during the takeoff climb. There were no reported malfunctions with the airplane or engine, prior to the accident.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.