NTSB Factual Report

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On July 10, 1993, at 0824 central daylight time, a Rockwell International S-2R, N8512V, was destroyed upon impact with terrain while maneuvering near Bastrop, Louisiana. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight.

According to the operator, two of his airplanes had been tandem spraying cotton fields since early sunrise. As one of the airplanes completed his turn to reverse direction, a witness observed the airplane impact the ground on an estimated 45 degree nose down attitude.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

Three weeks prior to the accident, the pilot talked to a close friend and former employer who within the last two years underwent open heart bypass surgery. The pilot asked his friend to describe to him what his symptoms were when he had angina pains prior to the operation. The pilot was reported to have stated that those were the very same symptoms that he had been having. Additionally, he stated that he also felt a severe pain between his shoulder blades, had a constant "indigestion type pain at the top of his stomach" that would not go away. On the night prior to the accident, the pilot told another friend at a nearby convenience store that he had been feeling "totally exhausted." Both persons declined to provide written statements of their testimony.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

The PT6A-34 engine conversion was completed on March 22, 1992. A review of the airframe and engine records by the Federal Aviation Administration inspector, did not reveal any anomalies or uncorrected maintenance defects prior to the flight. An estimate of the weight of the airplane at the time of the accident places the airplane within its limits. A 2-way radio was available in the airplane; however, the pilot's helmet had not been modified with a microphone boom.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

The airplane impacted in a cotton field on a measured heading of 265 degrees, coming to rest on a measured heading of 165 degrees, 84 feet from the initial point of impact. The propeller was located in a crater 18 inches deep, by 36 inches wide. The propeller assembly was found sheared at the propeller flange.

A ground scar matching the shape and size of both wings was found at the initial point of impact. A green navigational light lens was located on the right side of the ground scar. Compression damage to the leading edge of both wings was nearly symmetrical.

The engine was located 24 feet from the initial point of impact and was separated by impact into three separate sections. Turbine blades from the power turbine section were found scattered into the ground throughout the accident site. Rotational damage and scraping were noted throughout all stages within the turbine. Turbine blades were also found in one of the exhaust stacks.

Flight control continuity was established to the ailerons, elevators, rudder, and trim tabs. All aircraft components and wreckage were located in a linear pattern within 100 feet from the initial point of impact.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

An autopsy and toxicological tests were ordered and performed. The autopsy was performed by Forensic Pathologists, Inc, of Bossier City, Louisiana, as requested by the Morehouse Parish Coroner's Office. In the opinion of the pathologist, there was no evidence of a natural disease process that would have resulted in inability to control the aircraft. Toxicological findings were negative.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The wreckage was released to the owner's representative at the accident site on July 11, 1993.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN TERRAIN CLEARANCE.