Aero Commander S2R N8984Q

Summary

On 4 April 1998 at about 17:20 local time, a Aero Commander S2R registered N8984Q was involved in an accident near Cushing, Oklahoma, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

4 April 1998 at 17:20

Classification

Accident

Location

Cushing, Oklahoma, United States

Nearest airport

Cushing Minicipal (CUH)

Coordinates

35.9696, -96.7609

Aircraft

Aero Commander S2R

Registration

N8984Q

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW98LA171

Nobody was injured.

The total loss of engine power resulting from a sheared accessory drive due to an undetermined reason. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

During the initial takeoff/climb a loss of manifold pressure was noted by the pilot. The engine backfired as the pilot increased the throttle and mixture and lost power. During the forced landing, the pilot maneuvered the airplane to avoid power lines and homes. The main gear collapsed as the airplane touched down hard in an open field. Examination revealed that the mixture control arm at the carburetor was loose; however, the nut and cotter key were intact. The mixture control in the cockpit was full forward; however, the mixture control at the carburetor was set at less than 50 percent travel toward the rich stop on the carburetor. Engine continuity was confirmed to the accessory case; however, neither magneto rotated when the propeller rotated. A mechanic stated that this lack of magneto rotation indicates that the accessory shaft has sheared inside the rear case of the engine. The carburetor and engine were not disassembled, therefore, it was not determined whether the damage to the mixture control and the drive shaft were preexisting or impact related.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.