- Date
- July 7, 1995, 11:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place
- Widener, AR
- Injuries
- 1 uninjured
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Phase of flight
- Maneuvering
- Aircraft
- N8972QAero Commander S2R
- Weather
- Visual (VMC) · Day
- Status
- Completed · report February 14, 1996
- Report
- Approved by Office Director
- FAA report
- 19950707049589A
- Case key
- 19486
From the NTSB’s public API. By law, NTSB reports can’t be used as evidence in lawsuits over the accident.
On this page
Probable cause
Loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. The proximity of power lines (obstruction) was a related factor.
Sequence of events
NTSB’s coding before 2008: each occurrence and phase of flight, and the causes and factors under it. The codes are defined in NTSB’s coding manual.
Analysis
During an agricultural operation, a loss of engine power occurred. The pilot was dispensing chemicals at the time and was maneuvering to commence another pass. During a forced landing, the pilot observed power lines ahead, so he attempted to gain altitude in an effort to clear the obstruction. However, while clearing the power lines, the airplane lost airspeed. Subsequently, it touched down hard and was damaged. Examination of the aircraft and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have resulted in the loss of engine power.
Factual narrative
On July 7, 1995, at 1130 central daylight time, an Aero Commander S2R, N8972Q, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Widener, Arkansas. The commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight operated by Cross Country Flying Service, Wynne, Arkansas. The flight originated at the Widener Airstrip in Widener, Arkansas, at 1125 and no flight plan was filed.
In the enclosed Pilot/Operator report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot reported that while coming out of a turn during fertilization of a rice field, the engine "suddenly lost power." The pilot attempted to dump his chemical load and executed a forced landing into a field. The pilot stated that as he prepared to land he noticed power lines to his front, so he was forced to raise the nose and fly over them. He further stated, after clearing the wires the aircraft "stalled" and the aircraft descended to ground impact. The aircraft sustained damage to the wing spars and fuselage.
An examination of the aircraft and engine did not reveal any anomalies that could have resulted in a loss of engine power.
Aircraft
- Registration
- N8972Q
- Reported as
- Aero Commander S2R
- Category
- Airplane
- Serial number
- 1642R
- Airframe hours
- 8,579
- Engine
- P&W R-1340, 600 horsepower, reciprocating
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Aerial application · Part 137
- Registered owner
- Morris, Jamie
- Airworthiness certificate
- Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection
- Annual · May 5, 1995 · 120 hours before
- Departed
- NONE
Matched to the registry by N-number and the event date; the registry’s history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.
Flight crew
As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.
- Role
- Pilot
- Age
- 36
- Certificate
- Commercial
- Airplane ratings
- Single-engine land
- Medical
- Class 2, Valid Medical--w/ waivers/lim
- Seat
- Center
- Flight hours
- 2,500 total · 600 in this make and model · 2,440 as pilot in command · 350 in the last 90 days · 120 in the last 30 days · 10 in the last 24 hours
Weather
- Conditions
- Visual (VMC) · Day
- Visibility
- 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling
- None
- Temperature
- 88 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter
- 30.00 inHg
FAA reports on this event · 1
The FAA’s own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date.