Ayres S2R-G10 N2312Y accident near Doerun, Georgia

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to select an adequate forced landing site and his excess speed during the landing.

NTSB analysis

During an aerial application flight, the pilot felt a vibration and heard a loud whine. He observed that the exhaust gas temperature was above the temperature limit and was rising. Almost simultaneously, he observed that the indication on the torque meter was dropping. He then decided to make a precautionary landing in a pasture that adjoined the field that he was spraying. He landed the airplane in the pasture, but the airplane struck several large anthills, bouncing up and becoming airborne each time. The airplane then overran the pasture and struck trees. Examination of the airplane and engine did not reveal any evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction which would have caused or contributed to the loss of power reported by the pilot. The pilot advised that, when he decided to make a precautionary landing, he had a rush to judgment. He was fast on the approach and landed with a tailwind, and he could not get the airplane to stop before it hit the trees.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10LA474 for the full record.