# NTSB MKC85LA001: Ayres S2R-R3S, N4014D, Lepanto, AR, October 3, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 3, 1984, 15:40 local (20:40 UTC)
- Place: Lepanto, AR
- Coordinates: 35.600177, -90.329994 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.6002&lon=-90.3300&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33873
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85LA001
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33873/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85LA001

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, climb - to cruise
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
  - miscellaneous - blocked(partial)
  - propeller system/accessories,pitch change mech - failure,partial
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch

## Analysis

AS THE PILOT SET CLIMB POWER THE ACFT BEGAN TO SETTLE. FULL POWER WAS APPLIED BUT THE DESCENT CONTINUED. THE PILOT DUMPED THE CHEMICAL LOAD AND LANDED IN A RICE FIELD. DURING RECOVERY OF THE WRECKAGE THE FLEXIBLE INDUCTION AIR DUCT PARTIALLY COLLAPSED RESTRICTING AIR FLOW TO THE CARBURETOR. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT 2 OF THE 4 PROPELLER BLADE PITCH CHANGE LINKS FAILED IN FLT CAUSING THE 2 BLADES TO FEATHER RESULTING IN THE POWER LOSS. AN FAA INSPECTOR EXAMINED THE PITCH LINKS BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE IF THE FAILURE WAS IMPACT RELATED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4014D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4014D), registered now, S/N R3S-005, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AYRES S2R-R3S
- Registry model: [Ayres S2R-R3S](https://openairdocs.org/model/ayres-s2r-r3s) (registry code 0970202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: R35-005
- Airframe hours: 1740
- Engines: PEZETEL PZL 35 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Lanny L. Helms
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 24, 1984, 204 hours before
- Departed: LEPANTO, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 8,000 total, 150 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °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 19841003056849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841003056849A), Oct 3, 1984: Ayres S2RR3SNORMAL, Lepanto, AR, Substantial damage. Crash occurred during emergency landing shortly after takeoff. Polish pezetel US132000A propellor pitch link 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.

---
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.