NTSB Factual Report

On February 22, 2007, at 1115 central standard time, a single-engine Ayres S2R-T41 agricultural airplane, N678JP, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a reported loss of engine power while maneuvering near Turrell, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The tailwheel-equipped airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137. The aerial application flight originated from the operator's private airstrip at 0959.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector performed an on-scene examination of the airplane. According to the inspector, the 9,000-hour pilot reported that the engine stopped producing power while spraying dry fertilizer on a wheat field, and he elected to execute a forced landing into an old rice field. The field was soft and wet and the airplane nosed over during the initial landing roll. There was no fire and the pilot was able to egress from the turbine powered airplane unassisted.

Additionally, the pilot reported that the airplane had recently undergone maintenance services, which included the resealing of the fuel tanks and the replacement of the fuel lines to the engine. The inspector confirmed that the airplane sustained structural damage during the forced landing.

A post accident examination of the PT6A turboprop engine revealed that the rigid fuel line to the fuel controller (P-3 line) had separated, resulting in the loss of engine power.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power due to a separated fuel line. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.