NTSB Factual Report

On August 17, 2001, at 0910 mountain standard time, a Rockwell S-2R, agricultural airplane, N4890X, sustained substantial damage during the forced landing following a loss of engine power during cruise flight near Fabens, Texas. The aircraft was owned and operated by T&T Aviation, Inc., of Fabens, Texas, under Code of Federal Regulations Part 137. The commercial pilot was not injured. The flight originated at 0710, from the Fabens Airport.

On the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot reported that on the previous afternoon, following an aerial application flight, he landed the airplane at the Fabens Airport. On the morning of the accident, the pilot arrived at the aircraft and performed a preflight inspection; however, he did not visually check the fuel level to ensure the tanks were topped from the previous day's flight. The flight departed the airport and completed the spraying of 175 acres. The aircraft was en route to the Fabens Airport for refueling and reloading of chemical when the "engine quit due to fuel starvation." During the forced landing to a field, the tail wheel of the airplane hooked the top wire of power lines and "caused the aircraft to pancake into the field, taking out the landing gear as well as snapping the top power line." Following the accident, the pilot recommended the "1.) use of calibrated fuel tank stick to positively verify amount indicated by fuel gauge, 2.) checked [fuel] by pilot each and every time, [and] 3.) do not depend on ground personnel."

The FAA inspector, who responded to the site, found the engine displaced at an approximate 45 degree angle to the damaged firewall. The main landing gear and the propeller were also damaged.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate preflight resulting in loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. A contributing factor was the power line.