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NTSB Report

August 12, 1996 · Ayres S-2R · N3084X

Wharton, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 12, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Wharton, TX
Aircraft
Ayres S-2R
Tail Number
N3084X
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA341

The pilot was returning from an aerial application mission, when the engine lost total power. During a forced landing, the airplane struck a fence and a tree, which damaged the right wing, the main landing gear, and the left fuel tank. An examination and teardown of the engine revealed that the torque sensor shaft was fractured.

NTSB Probable Cause

total loss of engine power due to a fractured torque sensor shaft. Factors relating to the accident were: the obstructions (fence and trees) in the emergency landing area.

Full Narrative

On August 12, 1996, at 1218 central daylight time, an Ayres S2R-R1340, N3084X, registered to and operated by Farm and Ranch Aerial Service Inc., as a Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of power near Wharton, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed. The airline transport rated pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The flight originated from the Flying-S Ranch, at 1000. According to the operator, the pilot was returning from applying Mythallon to a field when the engine lost total power. During the forced landing, the airplane struck a fence and a tree and came to a stop in a pasture. An examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed the right wing twisted at the midsection, the right wing front and aft spars were bent, the main landing gear were damaged, and the left fuel tank was compromised. An examination and teardown of the Garret TPE331-6-252M turbine engine by the operator revealed the torque sensor shaft was fractured.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:18 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAyres S-2R
Tail NumberN3084X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsGarrett · TPE-331 · Turboprop · 750
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 47 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind203° @ 3 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data