# NTSB FTW95LA283: Aero Commander S2R, N8972Q, Widener, AR, July 7, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 7, 1995, 11:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Widener, AR
- Coordinates: 35.020366, -90.680603 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.0204&lon=-90.6806&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 14, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19486
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA283
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19486/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA283

## Probable cause

LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON.  THE PROXIMITY OF POWER LINES (OBSTRUCTION) WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, maneuvering - aerial application
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - maneuver to avoid obstructions - performed, pilot in command
  - flare - not possible, pilot in command

## 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](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8972Q-2012-08-10), registration cancelled 2012-08-10, S/N 1642R, built 1972 (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: 1642R
- Airframe hours: 8579
- Engines: 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

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; 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 (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19950707049589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950707049589A), Jul 7, 1995: Ayres S2R, Widner, AR, Substantial damage. (-16) The pilot stated that during an aerial application manuever the engine sustained a loss of power. Unsuccessful attempts to increase RPM were initiated.…

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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