FTW96LA332

According to the pilot, the engine began to lose power during the takeoff roll. He said he was 'past the stopping point' and was 'able to get the airplane to fly about 1/2 mile before the engine shut down completely.' A forced landing to a cotton field was initiated. After the aircraft came to a stop, it was consumed by a postimpact fire. A teardown of the Garrett TPE-331 turbine engine was performed. Examination revealed that the turbine scavenge pump oil supply line shield assembly had separated and worn through the oil supply line it surrounded. The engine oil filter was removed, and no oil was found in the oil filter housing. One pint of oil was drained from the engine oil tank. Visual inspection of the propeller revealed that it was in the feather position. Regarding the Garrett TPE-331 engine, if oil pressure is lost, the propeller will automatically go to the feather position, even if the engine continues to run. A witness stated that during the previous flight, smoke was observed coming from the exhaust area of the engine. Also, the pilot had reported problems with the airplane's engine.

On August 4, 1996, at 1400 central daylight time, an Ayers S2R-G5, N20GH, registered to and operated by Holloway Air Service, Inc., as a Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight, was substantially damaged during a forced landing after takeoff from a private strip near Start, Louisiana. The commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot, the engine began to lose power during the takeoff roll. He was "past the stopping point" and was, "able to get the airplane to fly about 1/2 mile before the engine shut down completely." A forced landing to a cotton field was initiated. After the aircraft came to a stop, it was consumed by a post impact fire.

On September 20, 1996, a teardown of the Garrett TPE-331 turbine engine was performed at Dallas Airmotive in Dallas, Texas. The examination revealed that the turbine scavenge pump oil supply line shield assembly had separated and worn through the oil supply line it surrounded. The engine oil filter was removed and no oil was found in the oil filter housing. One pint of oil was drained from the engine oil tank. Visual inspection of the propeller revealed that it was in the feather position. On the Garrett TPE-331 engine, if oil pressure is lost, the propeller will automatically go to the feather position even if the engine continues to run.

Witness stated that on the flight prior to the accident flight, smoke was observed coming from the exhaust area of the engine. I addition, the pilot had also reported problems with the airplane's engine.