Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during an aerial application flight and the unsuitable landing area encountered by the pilot during the subsequent forced landing. An additional cause was the low altitude of an aerial application operation.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane impacted an agricultural field during an aerial application flight. Examination of the accident site revealed both fuel tanks were broken open and did not contain any residual fuel. There was no "heavy" fuel smell. The propeller blades were deformed rearwards consistent with no power. The flaps were extended. The main landing gear impacted a ditch and were still attached to the airplane. The left wing impacted an embankment.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 20, 2007, at 1352 central daylight time, an Ayres Corporation S2R-T15, N113CA, operated by Custom Air Inc., as an aerial application airplane, impacted a bean field while maneuvering near Stuttgart, Arkansas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application fight was not operating on a flight plan. The commercial pilot sustained serious injuries. The local flight departed from Roe, Arkansas, about 1348. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there were no reports from any witnesses to the accident. Additionally, both fuel tanks were broken open and did not contain fuel. There was no "heavy" fuel smell. The propeller blades were deformed rearwards consistent with no power. The main landing gear impacted a ditch and were still attached to the airplane. The left wing impacted an embankment.