# NTSB FTW96LA341: Ayres S-2R, N3084X, Wharton, TX, August 12, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 12, 1996, 12:18 local (17:18 UTC)
- Place: Wharton, TX
- Coordinates: 29.310005, -96.08921 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.3100&lon=-96.0892&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 29, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19940
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA341
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19940/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA341

## Probable cause

total loss of engine power due to a fractured torque sensor shaft.  Factors relating to the accident were: the obstructions (fence and trees) in the emergency landing area.

## 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, cruise
  - torquemeter system,shaft type - fractured (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
- On ground/water collision with object, emergency landing
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

The pilot was returning from an aerial application mission, when the engine lost total power. During a forced landing, the airplane struck a fence and a tree, which damaged the right wing, the main landing gear, and the left fuel tank. An examination and teardown of the engine revealed that the torque sensor shaft was fractured.

## Factual narrative

On August 12, 1996, at 1218 central daylight time, an Ayres S2R-R1340, N3084X, registered to and operated by Farm and Ranch Aerial Service Inc., as a Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of power near Wharton, Texas.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed.  The airline transport rated pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured.  The flight originated from the Flying-S Ranch, at 1000.

According to the operator, the pilot was returning from applying Mythallon to a field when the engine lost total power.  During the forced landing, the airplane struck a fence and a tree and came to a stop in a pasture.

An examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed the right wing twisted at the midsection, the right wing front and aft spars were bent, the main landing gear were damaged, and the left fuel tank was compromised.

An examination and teardown of the Garret TPE331-6-252M turbine engine by the operator revealed the torque sensor shaft was fractured.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3084X](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3084X), registered now, S/N R1340-033, built 1995 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Ayres S-2R
- Registry model: [Ayres S2R-R1340](https://openairdocs.org/model/ayres-s2r-r1340) (registry code 0970210) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: R-1340
- Airframe hours: 1240
- Engines: Garrett TPE-331 750 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Farm And Ranch Aerial Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 8, 1996, 600 hours before
- Departed: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 16,854 total, 13,900 in this make and model, 16,155 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 203° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 15 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 19960812022529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960812022529A), Aug 12, 1996: Ayres S2RR1340NORM, Wharton, TX, Substantial damage. Engine quit on spray run. Struck fence and tree landig. Bent spars. Damaged gear. Engine torque sensor shaft broke.

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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