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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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July 7, 1995 · Aero Commander S2R · N8972Q

Widener, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 7, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Widener, AR
Aircraft
Aero Commander S2R
Tail Number
N8972Q
Operator
Cross Country Flying Svc
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW95LA283

DURING AN AGRICULTURAL OPERATION, A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER OCCURRED. THE PILOT WAS DISPENSING CHEMICALS AT THE TIME AND WAS MANEUVERING TO COMMENCE ANOTHER PASS. DURING A FORCED LANDING, THE PILOT OBSERVED POWER LINES AHEAD, SO HE ATTEMPTED TO GAIN ALTITUDE IN AN EFFORT TO CLEAR THE OBSTRUCTION. HOWEVER, WHILE CLEARING THE POWER LINES, THE AIRPLANE LOST AIRSPEED. SUBSEQUENTLY, IT TOUCHED DOWN HARD AND WAS DAMAGED. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT AND ENGINE DID NOT REVEAL ANY ANOMALIES THAT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.

NTSB Probable Cause

LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON. THE PROXIMITY OF POWER LINES (OBSTRUCTION) WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

Full Narrative

On July 7, 1995, at 1130 central daylight time, an Aero Commander S2R, N8972Q, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Widener, Arkansas. The commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight operated by Cross Country Flying Service, Wynne, Arkansas. The flight originated at the Widener Airstrip in Widener, Arkansas, at 1125 and no flight plan was filed. In the enclosed Pilot/Operator report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot reported that while coming out of a turn during fertilization of a rice field, the engine "suddenly lost power." The pilot attempted to dump his chemical load and executed a forced landing into a field. The pilot stated that as he prepared to land he noticed power lines to his front, so he was forced to raise the nose and fly over them. He further stated, after clearing the wires the aircraft "stalled" and the aircraft descended to ground impact. The aircraft sustained damage to the wing spars and fuselage. An examination of the aircraft and engine did not reveal any anomalies that could have resulted in a loss of engine power.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAero Commander S2R
Tail NumberN8972Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCross Country Flying Svc
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-1340 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility12 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data