N444HF

On August 11, 2006, at 1130 central daylight time, a single-engine Ayres S2R-T34 agricultural airplane, N444HF, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a reported loss of engine power while maneuvering near Parkdale, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was registered to McGinty Flying Service, of Jones, Louisiana, and was being operated by Wilmot Aero of Parkdale, Arkansas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local aerial application flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector performed an on-scene examination of the airplane. According to the inspector, the pilot reported that the engine suddenly stopped producing power and he executed a forced landing in a cotton field. The airplane sustained structural damage to the right wing and outboard section of the left wing. Examination of the turbine engine revealed a compressor-turbine blade, Part number T-102401-792A, had failed causing extensive damage to the vein ring, segments and small exit duct. This failure also resulted in debris contacting the power-turbine blades, which subsequently damaged all of the power-turbine blades and disc. Additional damage was noted on the exhaust duct and power-turbine shroud. The failed blade was never located and the mode of failure could not be determined.

A review of the airplane's maintenance records revealed that the compressor-turbine disc was last rebladed in November 1994, and had accumulated approximately 4,987.7 hours. The disc itself had accumulated approximately 7,941.4 hours and 7,170 cycles.

The pilot's last FAA second class medical was issued on January 4, 2006. At that time, the pilot reported having accumulated a total of 6,000 flight hours. The pilot did not submit a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) as of the time this factual report was released.

Weather at the Mid-Delta Regional Airport, near Greenville, Mississippi, at 1053, was reported as wind from 330 degrees at 6 knots, clear skies, temperature 91 degrees Fahrenheit, dewpoint 71 degrees Fahrenheit, and a barometric pressure setting of 29.92 inches of Mercury.