# NTSB FTW87DRG05: Aero Commander S2R, N5510X, La Joya, TX, July 22, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: July 22, 1987, 12:45 local (17:45 UTC)
- Place: La Joya, TX
- Coordinates: 26.239496, -98.470092 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.2395&lon=-98.4701&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 7, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22213
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW87DRG05
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22213/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87DRG05

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, maneuvering - aerial application
  - ignition system,magneto - failure,partial (cause)
  - fluid,fuel grade - improper (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - uncontrolled
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)

## Analysis

DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT AT A LOW ALTITUDE THE AIRCRAFT'S ENGINE FAILED. A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE TO A GRASSFIELD RESULTING IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE AIRCRAFT. DISASSEMBLY OF THE ENGINE REVEALED PARTIAL FAILURE OF THE LEFT MAGNETO. THE AIRCRAFT WAS BEING OPERATED WITH AUTOMOTIVE FUEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5510X](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5510X), registered now, S/N 1710R, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERO COMMANDER S2R
- Registry model: [Aero Commander S2R](https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-commander-s2r) (registry code 0143022) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1710R
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Barnick Spraying, Inc.
- Registered owner: Edward R. Barnick
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, August 29, 1986, 93 hours before
- Departed: MISSION, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: unknown, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 15,190 total, 12,152 in this make and model, 15,040 as pilot in command, 150 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 95 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MFE, 12 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 19870722038829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870722038829A), Jul 22, 1987: Ayres S2RR1340REST, La Joya, TX, Substantial damage. The engine lost power and the agricultural spray aircraft landed in brush. Left magneto shaft found worn.

## Other investigations on N5510X (1)

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 FTW74DRG06](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW74DRG06), Jul 21, 1973: Aero Comdr S2R (N5510X), Mission, TX, 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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