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May 24, 2002 · Ayres S2R-T34 · N4025Y

Aubrey, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 24, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Aubrey, AR
Aircraft
Ayres S2R-T34
Tail Number
N4025Y
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW02LA161

During the initial takeoff climb from a private airstrip, the pilot heard a "loud bang" and the engine lost total power. The pilot executed a forced landing, during which both main landing gear assemblies separated from the airplane and the right wing's spar was damaged. Examination of the engine revealed that the engine compressor turbine blades were fractured at varying heights. Material analysis determined that the blades fractured as a result of overload, and that the blades material conformity was in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. The compressor's surrounding components, and all downstream components, exhibited damage from the separated compressor turbine blades. The engine had accumulated a total of 14,598 hours since new and had never received a complete overhaul. Pratt & Whitney recommended overhaul interval for this engine is 3,500 hours. The reason for the separation of compressor turbine blades was not determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of a compressor turbine blade(s) for an undetermined reason.

Full Narrative

On May 24, 2002, at 1130 central daylight time, an Ayres S2R-T34 Thrush single-engine agricultural airplane, N4025Y, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during the initial takeoff climb from a private grass airstrip near Aubrey, Arkansas. The airplane was registered to and operated by Riddell Flying Service Inc., of West Helena, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The local flight was originating from the Old Gibson Airstrip in Aubrey at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, he had flown approximately 16 spray runs prior to the accident and did not experience any anomalies with the airplane. The airplane departed for the 17th spray run with 200 gallons of fuel and 2,500 pounds of Urea, a fertilizer, on board. The airplane was climbing through 100 feet when he heard a "loud bang," and the engine lost total power. The loss of engine power was accompanied by smoke, which was emanating from the engine exhaust. The pilot noted that the oil pressure and fuel pressure gauge needles had dropped to zero. Subsequently, the pilot executed a forced landing to a field, during which both main landing gear assemblies separated from the airplane, and the right wing's spar was damaged. The airplane was powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34AG turboprop engine (serial number 56924) that had accumulated a total of 14,598 hours since new. On December 10, 1994, the compressor turbine blades were installed, at which time the engine had accumulated a total of 9,849 hours. On November 7, 2000, a hot section inspection was completed. On May 9, 2002, the engine's most recent inspection, a 100-hour inspection, was completed. A complete engine overhaul had never been performed. According to Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin No. 1303, the recommended overhaul interval for the engine is 3,500 hours. The engine was examined at the Pratt & Whitney Facility in Montreal, Canada, under supervision of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. The 1st stage compressor blades, shroud and stator displayed no indications of foreign object damage or other distress. The combustion chamber was intact and the flame pattern was consistent with normal operation. The compressor turbine guide vane ring's trailing edge and the compressor turbine shroud both displayed gouges and pockmarks consistent with contact from separated compressor turbine blade debris. The compressor turbine blades were all fractured at varying heights between 1/4 and 1/2 span. Macroscopic inspection of the blade fracture surfaces revealed signatures typical of overload, with collateral mechanical damage. Material analysis of the compressor blades, conducted by Pratt & Whitney, revealed no indications of fatigue or material creep. The blades material composition was in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. The power turbine guide vane airfoil leading edges displayed nicks and gouge marks consistent with contact from separated compressor turbine blade debris. Approximately 3/4 of the power turbine blades were fractured at varying heights, and displayed characteristics of contact with separated compressor turbine blades debris and contact with the power turbine shroud.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 CDT
Nearest AirportOld Gibson (0nm)
Runway09
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAyres S2R-T34
Tail NumberN4025Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney Canada · PT6A-34AG · Turboprop · 750
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 11000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data