# NTSB MKC86LA126: Rockwell S-2R, N4921X, Hickory Ridge, AR, June 7, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 7, 1986, 09:00 local (14:00 UTC)
- Place: Hickory Ridge, AR
- Coordinates: 35.400932, -90.990333 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.4009&lon=-90.9903&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34191
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC86LA126
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34191/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC86LA126

## 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
  - engine assembly,connecting rod - failure,total (cause)
  - engine assembly - failure,total (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - remedial action - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT THE TAKEOFF WAS NORMAL UP TO THE INITIAL CLIMB WHEN, AT THIS POINT OIL BEGAN STREAKING FROM THE ENGINE AND IT LOST POWER. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, HE IMMEDIATELY TRIED TO DUMP THE FERTILIZER AND LOOK FOR A PLACE TO LAND BUT, DUE TO THE MARGINAL VFR WEATHER, HE RAN OUT OF ALTITUDE AND IMPACTED THE GROUND IN AN UNSTABILIZED ATTITUDE. POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED A FAILURE OF THE #2 PISTON ROD LED TO A CATASTROPHIC INTERNAL FAILURE OF THE ENGINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N4921X (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: ROCKWELL S-2R
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2117R
- Airframe hours: 3000
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN-1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Norman L. Burnette
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 6, 1986, 90 hours before
- Departed: HICKORY RIDGE, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,500 total, 300 in this make and model, 1,250 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: JRB, 32 nm away

## 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 19860607022089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860607022089A), Jun 7, 1986: Ayres S2RR1340REST, Hickory Ridge, AR, Substantial damage. The engine failed and the aircraft struck crops. Piston rod found broken. MVFR weather a factor.

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.