Pilot Debrief

Cessna 188 near Watkins, MN — 2018-08-02

Final reportCEN18LA311
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Date
2018-08-02
Location
Watkins, MN, USA
Airport
LJF
Aircraft
Cessna 188
Registration
N5523S
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because a postaccident examination revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

During the agricultural application flight, the commercial pilot noticed a loss of engine speed (rpm) after completing an application pass. He subsequently observed a decrease in engine oil pressure combined with an increase in oil temperature. As he returned for a forced landing to the corn field being sprayed, the oil pressure was about 7 psi. The pilot indicated that the engine was "coughing" at that point, and he decided to shut the engine down; the loss of engine power was not catastrophic. He subsequently landed in the field, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. A postaccident examination revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Thus, the reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have shut down the engine earlier to avoid forced landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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