Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance of water spraying and the resultant power loss. A factor was unsuitable terrain for the forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the initial takeoff climb, the pilot flew the airplane through a pivoting water irrigation system. Water ingestion caused the turbine engine to flame out. During the forced landing, the airplane landed across the cotton furrows in the wet field. An examination of the engine revealed water ingestion damage.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 30, 1993, at 0715 central daylight time, a Rockwell S-2R, N8842Q, sustained substantial damage near Elaine, Arkansas, during a forced landing. The commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight. The pilot reported to the Safety Board that following takeoff the airplane passed through water from a pivoting irrigation system at the end of the airport. He further stated that the water ingestion into the turbine engine caused the engine to flame out. During the forced landing to the wet field and cross furrows, the landing gear collapsed and the airplane skidded to a stop. According to an enclosed repair facility report, engine damage was "typical of water ingestion and thermal damage." -