# NTSB FTW94LA118: Ayres S2R-T34, N3094F, Elaine, AR, April 5, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 5, 1994, 10:40 local (15:40 UTC)
- Place: Elaine, AR
- Coordinates: 34.300342, -90.850746 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.3003&lon=-90.8507&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report December 7, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19027
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW94LA118
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19027/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94LA118

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN TERRAIN CLEARANCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - aerial application
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE AERIAL APPLICATION PILOT WAS COMING IN TO MAKE HIS FIRST SWATH RUN.  HE CLEAR SOME TALL POWER LINES AND SLIPPED THE AIRPLANE.  THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR IMPACTED THE TERRAIN AND THE RIGHT WING SEPARATED.  THE AIRPLANE CAME TO REST 360 FEET FROM THE INITIAL IMPACT POINT.  EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE AND MAINTENANCE RECORDS DID NOT DISCLOSE ANY MAINTENANCE ANOMALIES.  FLIGHT CONTROL CONTINUITY WAS ESTABLISHED.

## Factual narrative

On April 5, 1994, at 1040 central daylight time, an Ayres Corporation S2R-T34, N3094F, was substantially damaged while maneuvering near Elaine, Arkansas.  The commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed throughout the area for the aerial application flight.

According to witnesses, the airplane was coming in to make its first swath run.  The airplane was observed to clear some tall power lines, then enter a slip.  The witness reported it impacted the terrain with the right landing gear.  The witnesses further stated the right wing separated, the airplane nosed over, then started rolling over sideways.

Examination of the accident scene by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, determined that the aircraft came to rest 360 feet from the initial ground scar.

Examination of the airplane and engine by a FAA inspector did not disclose any maintenance anomalies.  Flight control continuity was established.  A review of the airframe and engine records did not reveal any anomalies or uncorrected maintenance defects.

The autopsy was performed by the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, Little Rock, Arkansas.  Toxicological findings were negative.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3094F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3094F-1995-04-17), registration cancelled 1995-04-17, S/N T34106 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AYRES S2R-T34
- Registry model: [Ayres S2R-T34](https://openairdocs.org/model/ayres-s2r-t34) (registry code 0970106) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: T34-106
- Engines: P&W PT6A-34AG 750 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Planters Ag Aviation, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, January 1, 1994, 110 hours before
- Departed: NONE, WEST HELENA, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 5,000 total, 1,500 in this make and model, 5,000 as pilot in command, 150 in the last 90 days, 150 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,100 ft broken
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GLH, 47 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 19940405000219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940405000219A), Apr 5, 1994: Ayres S2RT34NORMAL, Elaine, AR, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. On first swath run slipped after clearing wires. Impacted. Severed right wing. Rolled over. Failed timely recover.

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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