Probable cause
The pilot did not maintain clearance from terrain for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The airplane was reported missing after failing to return from an aerial application flight. The airplane wreckage was located in a wooded area near the field being sprayed about 5 hours after the airplane's expected return time. Flight control continuity could not be verified due to damage to the airplane. Postaccident examination of the engine and propeller assemblies indicated that the engine was producing power and the propeller was rotating during the impact sequence. The reason for the airplane impacting the trees and terrain could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10LA236 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 3, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Dewitt, Arkansas
- Nearest airport
- Dewitt Municipal Airport (5M1)
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aero Commander S2R
- N-number
- N5531X
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.