N3097B

On November 21, 1994, about 1345 eastern standard time, an Ayres S2R-R1820, N3097B, registered to Story Aviation, Inc., collided with trees and then the ground while making a forced landing following loss of engine power near Arcadia, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was destroyed and the commercial- rated pilot received serious injuries. The flight originated at Arcadia, Florida, on November 21, 1994, about 1330.

The pilot stated that while making an aerial application run over a citrus grove, he heard a loud bang come from the engine and it shut down. While making a forced landing the aircraft collided with trees and then the ground. A postcrash fire erupted and consumed the aircraft.

Postcrash examination of the engine by FAA inspectors indicated the magnetos and carburetor were destroyed by the postcrash fire. The engine was rotated using the propeller. When the engine was rotated the pistons would not move. No further examination was performed.