Pilot Debrief

AYRES S2R near Glenn, CA — 2010-05-18

Final reportWPR10LA247
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Date
2010-05-18
Location
Glenn, CA, USA
Airport
PVT
Aircraft
AYRES S2R
Registration
N29254
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

Loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

While on approach to spray a field, the pilot observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment. He set up for an emergency landing to a road. During the landing roll, the airplane veered off the road and struck power poles. During a postaccident examination of the engine, no mechanical anomalies were found that would have precluded normal operation. The manufacturer noted that the overall condition of the engine exhibited corrosion and heat erosion. The fuel nozzles were covered in a soot and soil combination. When flow tested, the fuel nozzles exceeded the parameters in the component maintenance manual test procedures. The manufacturer stated that the out-of-limit condition may cause hot-section deterioration over time but would not have prevented normal engine operation. The compressor turbine guide vane ring was examined, and blade fractures from overstress were found, along with chipping and flaking of the coating adjacent to the fracture surfaces.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen a different landing area before engine failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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