NTSB Factual Report

On June 11, 2005, at 1845 central daylight time, a tailwheel-equipped Cessna A188B single-engine agricultural airplane, N4919R, registered to and operated by Goffs Flying Service Inc., of Tell, Texas, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power while maneuvering near Goodlett, Texas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. 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 a private airstrip near Goodlett, Texas, approximately 1800.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who responded to the accident site, the 700-hour pilot was completing an aerial application of fertilizer on a field. As the pilot finished his final "trim" pass, the "engine lost power," and the pilot landed in an adjacent field which was soft. During the landing roll, the left main landing gear sunk on the soft ground collapsing the left main landing gear. Additionally, the airplane struck a barbwire fence.

Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed that the left wingtip and left horizontal stabilizer were bent upward. Fuel was observed in both wing fuel tanks. Continuity was established throughout the Continental IO-540-K1G5 engine when the propeller was rotated by hand. The top and bottom spark plugs were removed and when compared to the Champion Aviation Check-A-Plug Wear Guide (Part Number AV-27) displayed signatures consistent to normal operation. The left magneto produced spark on all leads when rotated by hand. Fuel was observed in the fuel line between the fuel pump and fuel servo.

The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain (soft) for the forced landing.