# NTSB MKC88LA071: Rockwell S2-R, N5563X, Stuttgart, AR, March 25, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 25, 1988, 16:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Stuttgart, AR
- Coordinates: 34.489929, -91.550689 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.4899&lon=-91.5507&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 26, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34554
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC88LA071
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34554/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC88LA071

## 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 - initial climb
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, company maintenance personnel (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING A POST MAINTENANCE TEST FLT, PIC EXPERIENCED A POWER LOSS SHORTLY AFTER LIFT OFF. THE ACFT CRASHED NOSE LOW, IN A LEFT TURN. THE ENGINE WAS THROWN CLEAR OF THE AIRFRAME. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE PROPELLER BLADES INDICATED A MINIMUM AMOUNT OF POWER BEING DEVELOPED ON IMPACT WITH THE TERRAIN. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE PREVIOUS ENGINE PROBLEMS INCLUDED FUEL AND IGNITION. HE SAID HE THOUGHT THE PROBLEMS HAD BEEN CORRECTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5563X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5563X-1988-10-06), registration cancelled 1988-10-06, S/N 1763R (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROCKWELL S2-R
- Registry model: [Aero Commander S2R](https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-commander-s2r) (registry code 0143022) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1763R
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Sunshine Flyboys Ag Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 1, 1987
- Departed: STUTTGART, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 20; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,160 total, 10 in this make and model, 1,900 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: LIT, 40 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 19880325006599A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880325006599A), Mar 25, 1988: Ayres S2RRESTD, Stuttgart, AR, Substantial damage. Reported engine failed during turning climbout. Nose and left wing hit ground and cartwheeled. Engine thrown off.

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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