| On August 23, 2005, at 1412 Pacific daylight time, a WSK PZL Mielec M-18A
airplane, N7077N (call sign Tanker 426), impacted terrain while maneuvering
on an aerial application flight near Elko, Nevada. The Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) was operating the aircraft as a public-use firefighting
flight under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The commercial pilot, sole
occupant, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged.
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a company flight plan was
filed. The local flight departed from the Elko Regional Airport at 1403, and
was dropping retardant on the Sherman Fire when the accident occurred.
According to the BLM personnel, the pilot dropped a fire retardant load
(approximately 500 gallons or 4,035 pounds) downhill in a downwind
condition. He dropped his load at an indicated airspeed between 95 and 100
miles per hour with 10 degrees of flaps extended. After dropping the load,
the pilot applied full engine power and attempted to climb.
According to the pilot, the airplane was incapable of climbing without
losing airspeed; however, the engine was producing full power and there were
no noted anomalies with the airplane or engine. When the pilot realized he
would be unable to clear the ridgeline in front of him, he maintained a
wings level attitude and slowed the airplane as much as possible. The
airplane impacted the ground resulting in the separation of the landing
gear, and damage to the wings and flight control surfaces. The pilot was
picked up by a ground vehicle and transported to a hospital with minor
injuries.
At 1456, the Elko Regional Airport's weather observation facility (field
elevation of 5,140 feet mean sea level) reported the wind was from 260
degrees at 19 knots, with gusts to 25 knots. The accident site elevation was
6,700 feet msl.
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AVIATION
MANAGEMENT
