# NTSB MKC85LA033: Rockwell S-2R, N8503V, West Helena, AR, December 8, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 8, 1984, 11:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: West Helena, AR
- Coordinates: 34.540832, -90.639007 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.5408&lon=-90.6390&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): 33896
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85LA033
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33896/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85LA033

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - fuel system,filter - contamination (cause)
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

ON DEPARTING WEST HELENA ARPT THE PLT REDUCED PWR TO A CRUISE PWR SETTING. THE ENGINE RESPONDED TO THE PWR REDUCTION BUT THEN THE TORQUE DROPPED TO ZERO. THE ACFT DESCENDED STRIKING THE GROUND. INSPECTION AND TESTING OF THE ENGINE AND FUEL CONTROL UNIT DID NOT REVEAL ANY SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM. SOME DEBRIS WAS NOTED IN THE FUEL CONTROL INLINE FILTER WHICH RESTRICTED FUEL FLOW.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8503V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8503V-2017-07-20), registration cancelled 2017-07-20, S/N 2263R (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Rockwell S-2R
- Registry model: [Rockwell International S-2R](https://openairdocs.org/model/rockwell-international-s-2r) (registry code 7630202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2263R
- Airframe hours: 3522
- Engines: P&W PT6A-34AG 750 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Riddell Flying Service, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 27, 1984, 332 hours before
- Departed: WEST HELENA, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 10,500 total, 500 in this make and model, 10,300 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point -0 °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 19841208065819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841208065819A), Dec 8, 1984: Ayres S2RT34RESTD, West Helena, AR, Substantial damage. Engine torque went to zero en route to spray area. Landed in field. Inline fuel filter obstructed by debris.

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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