NTSB Factual Report

On March 9, 2001, about 1800 central standard time, a Cessna P206, N2507X, piloted by a commercial pilot, sustained substantial damage on impact with trees and terrain during a forced landing to a field following an in-flight loss of engine power near Derby, Kansas. The flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. No flight plan was on file. The pilot reported no injuries. The local air drop flight had departed with skydivers from Cook Airfield Inc. Airport (K50), near Derby, Kansas, about 1730, dropped those skydivers, and was returning to K50 at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated, "I climbed to 11000 [feet.] Was not getting usual climb rate[.] Before decent found I could not close cowl flaps. Decended to 6000 [feet.] Noticed eratic raise on manifold gage[.] Decided to shut down engine to stop further any possible damage. Flew down to pattern altitude where a plane flew in front of me and carried on across airport. I then carried on my landing, was about to turn base when I noticed the plane had turned 120 [degrees] and was flying toward me[.] I finally got hold of him on the radio and told him I had an engine out. He acknolaged and headed north out of the area. I then realized I was not able to get to runway because of high trees[.] Decided to turn into cleared area but hit tree with right wing[.]" Under mechanical malfunction failure, the pilot stated, "Air intake hose blown off after backfire[.]" His recommendation stated, "Check air intake after backfire[.]"

NTSB Probable Cause

The misjudged in-flight planning the pilot had for the forced landing. Factors were the induction air ducting separation, the pilot not coordinating his emergency procedure with airfield traffic, and the trees.