# NTSB FTW83LA358: Rockwell S2R, N4903X, Eudora, AR, August 1, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 1, 1983, 14:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Eudora, AR
- Coordinates: 33.109169, -91.260284 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.1092&lon=-91.2603&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20996
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA358
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20996/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA358

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, maneuvering - aerial application
  - engine assembly,push rod - failure,total (cause)
- Forced landing, landing
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - wet (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE DISPENSING FERTILIZER, OIL SUDDENLY COVERED THE WINDSHIELD & THE ENG BEGAN RUNNING AT REDUCED POWER. THE PLT MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A WATER COVERED RICE FIELD WHERE THE WHEELS HIT A LEVEE & THE ACFT NOSED OVER. AN EXAM REVEALED THAT THE #1 EXHAUST PUSH ROD HAD BROKEN, ALLOWING THE VALVE TO STAY CLOSED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4903X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4903X-2025-10-29), registration cancelled 2025-10-29, S/N 2093R, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROCKWELL S2R
- Registry model: [Rockwell International S-2R](https://openairdocs.org/model/rockwell-international-s-2r) (registry code 7630202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2093R
- Airframe hours: 2695
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN-1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Simpson Flying Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, February 2, 1983, 150 hours before
- Departed: EUDORA, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 7,100 total, 5,500 in this make and model, 7,087 as pilot in command, 150 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ELD, 76 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19830801074759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830801074759A), Aug 1, 1983: Ayres S2RRESTD, Eudora, AR, Substantial damage. Crash occurred during emergency landing after broken rod caused engine malfunction.

## Other investigations on N4903X (2)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB FTW94LA238](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94LA238), Jul 15, 1994: Rockwell S-2R (N4903X), Winchester, AR, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE LOSS OF POWER DUE TO THE NUMBER ONE CYLINDER HEAD CRACKING. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.
- [NTSB FTW76DPH01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW76DPH01), Aug 19, 1976: Aero Comdr 600S2R (N4903X), Eudora, AR, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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