NTSB Factual Report

On March 11, 2005, about 0827 central standard time, an Ayres S-2R single-engine tailwheel-equipped agricultural airplane, N8422V, was substantially damaged following a loss of control while landing at a private airstrip near Marvell, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Randy Gibbons Flying Service, Inc., South Marvell, Arkansas, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan had not been filed for the local flight.

According to a written statement submitted by the 12,000-hour commercial pilot, while landing on a 2,640-foot long asphalt and grass airstrip, the turbine powered airplane, veered to the right and departed the 14-foot wide runway. The pilot added that a wind gust reported at 41 knots "blew" the airplane into the air and after contact with ground, the right landing gear collapsed causing the airplane to turn. The airplane received structural damage when it collided with a ditch, coming to rest in an upright position.

An examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who traveled to the accident site, revealed structural damage to the left and right inboard section of the wings. The propeller and landing gear were also damaged. The operator's insurance company reported that the airplane was "totaled."

At 0853, the automated weather observing system at AWM (West Memphis), approximately 45 miles northeast of the accident site, reported wind at 300 degrees at 17 knots, gusting to 22 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, sky clear, 48 Fahrenheit, dew point 30 degrees Fahrenheit, with an altimeter setting of 29.93 inches of Mercury.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing. A contributing factor was gusty winds.