Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot misjudging his altitude above the airport, resulting in not attaining the proper touchdown point. A factor was the separation of teeth from the aft gear of the spur gear assembly, which resulted in the interruption of fuel.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On April 29, 1997, at 1045 central daylight time, an Ayres S2R-G6 airplane, N31575, registered to and operated by Evergreen Flying Service, Inc., as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 ferry flight, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near El Dorado, Arkansas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The flight originated from Monroe, Louisiana, about 25 minutes prior to the accident.
The pilot reported to the investigator-in-charge that the aircraft was level at 1,200 to 1,500 MSL when the engine lost power. He applied full flaps, put the aircraft in a slip, and spiraled down towards the Downtown Airport. The aircraft touched down on runway 18 about 2,250 feet from the approach end, bounced several times, and exited the runway.
Examination of the accident site by the FAA inspector revealed that the aircraft touched down on runway 18 about midfield, bounced into the air, cleared some trees, and touched down again approximately 1,500 feet from the departure end of the runway. The aircraft traveled across a ditch, struck two trees, continued through a fence, and came to a stop in a residential back yard.
Examination of the aircraft at the accident site by the FAA inspector revealed that there was a total of approximately 160 gallons of fuel in the fuel tanks, and the engine air inlet was clear. Further examination of the aircraft revealed that the tail was twisted, and the left wing was structurally damaged.
The engine was sent to Intercontinental Jet in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for further examination. On May 8, 1997, a teardown inspection revealed that several teeth on the aft gear of the Spur Gear assembly (P/N 896805-1) had separated. The Spur Gear assembly is part of the gear mechanism which drives both fuel pumps and the fuel control. The engine had approximately 5,500 hours total time since new, and the last hot section and gearbox inspections were performed approximately 700 hours prior to the accident.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW97LA170