Cessna A188B N731UF accident near Chillicothe, Missouri

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power due to a tear in the fuel manifold diaphragm, which prevented sufficient fuel flow to the engine.

NTSB analysis

The airplane sustained a partial loss of engine power while maneuvering to apply fertilizer to a corn field. The pilot initiated a forced landing to a clearing, during which the airplane struck trees and powerlines before it came to rest upright in an open field; a postaccident fire ensued.

Examination of the of the airplane revealed that the cockpit and fuselage structure was mostly destroyed by thermal and impact damage. Examination of the engine revealed a tear on the fuel manifold assembly diaphragm. The tear in the diaphragm likely result in the fuel manifold’s inability to provide sufficient fuel pressure to maintain engine power, resulting in a partial loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA218 for the full record.