Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary FTW93LA220

ELAINE, AR, USA

Aircraft #1

N8842Q

ROCKWELL S-2R

Analysis

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.

Factual Information

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."

Probable Cause and Findings

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE OF WATER SPRAYING AND THE RESULTANT POWER LOSS. A FACTOR WAS UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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