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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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February 27, 1996 · Rockwell S-2R · N431BL

Winchester, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 27, 1996
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Winchester, AR
Aircraft
Rockwell S-2R
Tail Number
N431BL
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA135

The purpose of the agricultural airplane's flight was to 'rinse and clean the airplane and sprayer system with water.' The pilot reported that, after he 'rinsed' the aircraft, and 'pulled' up from a crosswind swath run, 'the engine stopped, causing [the] propeller to stop.' During the ensuing forced landing, the pilot 'had to go under a power line' to land the airplane in a field. During the landing, the right wing struck a tree and partially separated from the fuselage. Examination of the engine revealed a 'broken' master rod and a hole in the #5 cylinder. Maintenance records did not reveal any anomalies or uncorrected defects that would have contributed to the failure.

NTSB Probable Cause

Failure of the engine master rod. A factor relating to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing, due to the proximity of a power line and trees.

Full Narrative

On February 27, 1996, approximately 0720 central standard time, a Rockwell International S-2R, N431BL, registered to, and operated by MS&T Flying Service under Title 14 CFR Part 91, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power, near Winchester, Arkansas. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight departed from a private agricultural airstrip about 5 minutes prior to the accident. According to the pilot, the flight was intended to "rinse and clean the airplane and spray system with water." He reported that, after he "rinsed" the aircraft and "pulled" up from a swath run, "the engine stopped, causing [the] propeller to stop." During the ensuing forced landing, the pilot "had to go under a power line" to land the airplane in a field. Upon landing, the airplane "came to [a] complete stop after hitting [a] tree with the right wing. The right wing was found partially separated from the fuselage and was structurally damaged. Examination of the engine by a FAA inspector and the operator's mechanic, revealed a "broken" master rod and a "hole" in the #5 cylinder. A review of the maintenance records by the FAA inspector, did not reveal any anomalies or uncorrected defects that would have contributed to the loss of engine power.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:20 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRockwell S-2R
Tail NumberN431BL
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsWsk · PZL-35 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 10 kt, gusting 12 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 68 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data