NTSB Factual Report

On June 13, 2006, at 2017 central daylight time, a Ayres S2R-G6, N6133T, registered to and operated by Hills Flying Service, Inc., as a 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight, experience an uncontained engine failure and in-flight fire while on final approach to runway 24, at the Skyharbor Airport Selma, Alabama. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The commercial pilot reported no injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight originated from Skyharbor airport, Selma, Alabama on June 13, 2006, at 1800.

According to the pilot, he departed Skyharbor airport to spray 75 acres of beans. However, due to rain showers he was unable to complete the mission, and returned to the airport. When he was on short final to land on runway 24, during power reduction, "the engine exploded and fire and shrapnel shot through the engine cowlings." Upon landing, he quickly exited the airplane, and ran to his office for help. On scene examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector found the airplane consumed by fire from the propeller aft to the cockpit. Examination of the engine found a large hole in the turbine section with most of the internal turbine components missing. The missing components were not located. Examination of the engine logbooks found that the last hot section inspection was performed on March 17, 2003 at a total time of 3,963.1 hours, and the last annual inspection was performed on February 14, 2006, at a total time of 5,406.3 hours. Time since the last hot section inspection was 1,445.2 hours. The engine total time since new was 7,840.2, hours, and had accumulated 2,280.0 hours since overhaul.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power during the approach to land due to an uncontained turbine failure, which resulted in an in-flight fire.