Ayres S2R N762BF accident near Shellman, Georgia

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB analysis

The pilot departed a private field with about 120 gallons of fuel on board and performed an agricultural aerial application. About 1 hour into the flight, while returning to his home base, the engine began surging “as if it were starving of fuel.” He performed a precautionary landing in a pasture, and during the landing rollout he ground looped the airplane to avoid an obstacle. During the ground loop the right main and tailwheel landing gear collapsed. After the airplane came to rest, a fire emanating from the engine nacelle consumed most of the fuselage. A follow up examination of the wreckage was not performed, as it was prematurely sold before the examination could take place. Thus, the reason for the engine surging could not be determined based on the available information.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA20LA017 for the full record.