Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The aerial application pilot was coming in to make his first swath run. He clear some tall power lines and slipped the airplane. The right main landing gear impacted the terrain and the right wing separated. The airplane came to rest 360 feet from the initial impact point. Examination of the airplane and maintenance records did not disclose any maintenance anomalies. Flight control continuity was established.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 5, 1994, at 1040 central daylight time, an Ayres Corporation S2R-T34, N3094F, was substantially damaged while maneuvering near Elaine, Arkansas. The commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed throughout the area for the aerial application flight. According to witnesses, the airplane was coming in to make its first swath run. The airplane was observed to clear some tall power lines, then enter a slip. The witness reported it impacted the terrain with the right landing gear. The witnesses further stated the right wing separated, the airplane nosed over, then started rolling over sideways. Examination of the accident scene by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, determined that the aircraft came to rest 360 feet from the initial ground scar. Examination of the airplane and engine by a FAA inspector did not disclose any maintenance anomalies. Flight control continuity was established. A review of the airframe and engine records did not reveal any anomalies or uncorrected maintenance defects. The autopsy was performed by the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, Little Rock, Arkansas. Toxicological findings were negative. -