Arkansas SEAT Aircraft Accident 1995

On April 9, 1995, at 1415 central daylight time, a WSK PZL MIELEC M-18A Dromadier Single Engine Air Tanker was destroyed while maneuvering near Pine Bluff, Arkansas. The commercial pilot was seriously injured. While over-flying the fire on a heading of 330 degrees, approximately 1000 feet mean sea level (MSL), the pilot turned right to a heading of 180 degrees, and reduced power to descend. At approximately 100 feet above ground level (AGL), throttle was increased to level off and the engine did not respond. He switched hands on the control stick to pump the auxiliary fuel pump, which is located on the right side of the cockpit; however, the engine did not respond. He then switched his hands back in an attempt to activate the dump lever, which is located on the left side of the cockpit, to dump his load of water. Subsequently, he "stalled" the airplane and it began to "spin." A witness in a spotter airplane reported observing the airplane start a slow turn to the southwest. He "looked at the fire and when he looked back at the tanker, it was in a slow roll to the left, headed to the north. The plane made two complete rolls before striking the ground at about a 45 degree to 60 degree angle." The airplane was destroyed by a post impact fire. The pilot survived the accident with serious injuries.