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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

September 6, 1999 · Rockwell S-2R · N4919X

Lookeba, OK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 6, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lookeba, OK
Aircraft
Rockwell S-2R
Tail Number
N4919X
Operator
Guest Air
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW99LA247

The airplane's engine lost power during the takeoff roll. According to the pilot, during the 'run-up before takeoff the engine spit, backfired, and then cleared up.' He initiated the takeoff roll and 'everything was fine for a few seconds,' and then 'about half way down the runway the engine coughed, spit, and backfired again.' Smoke was coming from the engine compartment and entering the cockpit, and subsequently, he aborted the takeoff. The airplane overran the runway and came to rest in a ditch. The pilot/operator removed and examined the engine oil sump from the Pratt and Whitney R-1340-AN1 engine. He observed 'numerous pieces and shavings' of ferrous metal. He stated that the pieces resembled cylinder parts. No further examination of the engine was conducted.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power resulting from a cylinder that failed for an undetermined reason.

Full Narrative

On September 6, 1999, at 0700 central daylight time, a Rockwell International S-2R agricultural airplane, N4919X, was destroyed during an aborted takeoff following a loss of engine power near Lookeba, Oklahoma. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. The airline transport rated pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight was originating from a private grass airstrip at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, during the engine start, "the engine was a little harder to crank than normal." He reported that "on the run-up before takeoff the engine spit, backfired, and then cleared up." He initiated the takeoff roll and "everything was fine for a few seconds," and then "about half way down the runway the engine coughed, spit, and backfired again." He stated that smoke was coming from the engine compartment and then smoke entered the cockpit. The pilot aborted the takeoff, and subsequently, the airplane departed the end of the runway and rolled into a ditch. The pilot exited the airplane and observed "flames emitting from the front section of the engine, near the carburetor." Subsequently, the airplane was consumed by a fire. The pilot/operator removed and examined the engine oil sump from the Pratt and Whitney R-1340-AN1 engine. He observed "numerous pieces and shavings" of ferrous metal. He added in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that the pieces resembled cylinder parts. No further examination was conducted.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:00 CDT
Nearest AirportSICKLES (0nm)
Runway36
Runway Length1800 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRockwell S-2R
Tail NumberN4919X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorGuest Air
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-1340-AN1 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility1.5 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 64 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data