Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
total loss of engine power due to a fractured torque sensor shaft. Factors relating to the accident were: the obstructions (fence and trees) in the emergency landing area.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On August 12, 1996, at 1218 central daylight time, an Ayres S2R-R1340, N3084X, registered to and operated by Farm and Ranch Aerial Service Inc., as a Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of power near Wharton, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed. The airline transport rated pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The flight originated from the Flying-S Ranch, at 1000.
According to the operator, the pilot was returning from applying Mythallon to a field when the engine lost total power. During the forced landing, the airplane struck a fence and a tree and came to a stop in a pasture.
An examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed the right wing twisted at the midsection, the right wing front and aft spars were bent, the main landing gear were damaged, and the left fuel tank was compromised.
An examination and teardown of the Garret TPE331-6-252M turbine engine by the operator revealed the torque sensor shaft was fractured.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW96LA341