# NTSB FTW96LA332: Ayres S2R-G5, N20GH, Start, LA, August 4, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 4, 1996, 14:00 local (19:00 UTC) - Place: Start, LA - Coordinates: 32.490722, -91.860343 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.4907&lon=-91.8603&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report April 15, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 19933 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA332 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19933/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA332 ## Probable cause a leak in the turbine scavenge pump oil supply line, due to chafing of its separated shield assembly, which resulted in an oil leak, oil starvation, and activation of the propeller feathering system. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - roll/run - lubricating system,oil line - chafed (cause) - lubricating system,oil line - leak (cause) - fluid,oil - starvation (cause) - propeller system/accessories,feathering system - activated - Forced landing, emergency descent/landing - In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency landing - terrain condition - crop ## Analysis 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. ## Factual narrative 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. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N20GH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N20GH-1998-07-28), registration cancelled 1998-07-28, S/N G5105 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Ayres S2R-G5 - Registry model: [Ayres S2R-G5](https://openairdocs.org/model/ayres-s2r-g5) (registry code 0970218) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: G5-105 - Airframe hours: 720 - Engines: Garrett TPE-331-5-252 750 horsepower turbo prop - Damage: Destroyed - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: Holloway Air Service Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, May 3, 1996, 206 hours before - Departed: NONE ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 35; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 5,179 total, 737 in this make and model, 5,129 as pilot in command, 200 in the last 90 days, 50 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 20 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 90 °F ## 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 19960804020859A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960804020859A), Aug 4, 1996: Ayres S2R, Start, LA, Substantial damage. Aircraft engine failed on takeoff, crashed at departure end of runway, burned from cockpit forward. (-23) on August 4, 1996, at 1400, a ayers S2R-G5 aircraft,… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.