Preliminary Report: Forced Landing Follows Power Loss

Cessna 208 Caravan, Round Rock, Texas, Oct. 18, 2005–After losing power, the FedEx Caravan, operated by Baron Aviation of Vichy, Mo., was substantially damaged during a forced landing. The sole-occupant commercial pilot was seriously injured. The flight had originated at Austin, Texas, at 10:15 p.m. and was en route to Fort Worth in night VMC. Soon after takeoff, the pilot told ATC he had “an engine failure.” He tried to land in a vacant field, but the right wing hit a utility pole and the airplane crashed into the ground, coming to rest on its nose, with the top of the airplane leaning against a house.