NTSB Factual Report

On May 24, 2005, at 0550 central daylight time (CDT), a Weatherly 201B single-engine tail-wheel equipped agricultural airplane, N1284W, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power while performing an aerial application near Tornillo, Texas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by C&D Aerial Inc., of Clint, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The local flight originated from the Fabens Airport (E35) near Fabens, Texas at 0530.

The 4,609-hour pilot reported in the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that while spraying a field, the engine began to backfire and produced "minimal power." He then dumped the chemical load that was in the hopper while initiating a forced landing to a nearby field. During the landing roll across plowed rows in the field, the airplane bounced, nosed over, and came to rest inverted.

Examination of the airplane by the pilot revealed that the horizontal stabilizer and rudder were bent.

Examination of the 450-horsepower Pratt and Whitney R-985 radial engine by the airplane owner revealed that a cylinder was cracked.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power as result of the failure of a cylinder.