N8455V

On December 28, 1994, at 1800 mountain standard time, the pilot of a Rockwell S2R Thrush Commander, N8455V, made a forced landing to a field after experiencing a loss of engine power after an aerial application near Yuma, Arizona. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The aircraft sustained substantial damage and the pilot was not injured.

Information from the pilot indicated the engine began to overspeed as he exited the field. Shortly afterwards, flames began to come out of the exhaust and top of the engine and over the canopy. The pilot made a forced landing and exited the aircraft. The engine continued to run for 5 minutes without the propeller turning with flames continuing to come from the engine. After the engine stopped running, the pilot proceeded to put out the fire with a handheld fire extinguisher.

Examination of the engine by the operator revealed a section of the No. 1 cylinder was missing and there was associated evidence of an engine fire. The engine had about 5,985 hours total time. There were about 120 hours time since the last inspection and 250 hours since overhaul.