Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE LOSS OF POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS AND THE INADVERTANT STALL DURING THE FORCED LANDING. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On April 18, 1994, at 1330 central daylight time, a Aero Commander S2R, N8958Q, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Monticello, Arkansas. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight.
In an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot stated that the aircraft lost engine power during initial climb from Monticello Municipal Airport. A witness reported hearing the engine making "a light backfiring noise." In an interview with the (FAA) inspector, the loader stated that the aircraft had full fuel and a full hopper. A certificated flight instructor observed the airplane make a turn to the west, and "then observed his left wing drop and saw plane pitch nose down into trees."
An inspection of the accident site and surrounding area revealed that the terrain was marked by trees and other objects.
Examination of the aircraft by an FAA inspector failed to reveal any anomalies in either the airframe or engine.
Numerous attempts to have the pilot file the NTSB Form 6120.1/2 (Pilot/Operator Report) were unsuccessful.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW94LA128