Ayres S2R-G6 accident near Pine Bluff, Arkansas, June 20, 2008
On June 20, 2008 at about 7:00 pm local time, a Ayres S2R-G6, registered N61374, was substantially damaged in an accident during maneuvering (low-alt flying) near Pine Bluff, Arkansas. It was an aerial application (crop spraying) flight under agricultural flying rules (Part 137). No one was hurt; 1 person was on board or involved. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of an electrical short in the wiring to the manual fuel switch that closed the fuel valves.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- June 20, 2008 · about 7:00 pm local time
- Place
- Pine Bluff, Arkansas · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- No one was hurt; 1 person was on board or involved.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Ayres S2R-G6
- Registration
- N61374 · registry record · serial G6-119
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Aerial application (crop spraying) flight · agricultural flying rules (Part 137)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The pilot was spraying a rice field with fertilizer when the "airplane began to lose altitude." The pilot attempted a forced landing in an open bean field. During the forced landing the airplane's right wing struck a tree, spinning the airplane around to the right. The airplane then impacted the terrain sideways, shearing off the landing gear, bending both wings, and buckling the fuselage. An examination of the engine showed evidence indicating the engine was not operating prior to impact. Additionally, the examination showed nothing that would have caused a loss of power or an in-flight engine shutdown. Further investigation determined that the airplane had previously experienced an uncommanded engine shut down. According to the wiring system schematic, the manufacturer did not install engine speed switches to automatically and electronically control the fuel system, but instead, installed pilot-activated switches for manual control of the fuel system. Examination of the system showed evidence of a short in the wires to the switch. The manufacturer stated that if a short in the wires occurred or if a switch failed due to contamination or corrosion, voltage could be sent to pin "B" on the Fuel Shutoff (Solenoid) Valve, causing the fuel shutoff valve to close.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power) during maneuvering (low-alt flying) defining event
- Fuel starvation during maneuvering (low-alt flying)
- Loss of engine power (total) during maneuvering (low-alt flying)
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during emergency descent
The NTSB's findings
- cause Aircraft › Aircraft systems › Fuel system › Fuel sys wiring › Damaged/degraded
- cause Aircraft › Aircraft systems › Fuel system › Fuel selector/shutoff valve › Failure
- Environmental issues › Physical environment › Object/animal/substance › Tree(s) › Contributed to outcome
Pilot
- Certificate: commercial pilot
- Ratings: single-engine land
- Flight time: 20,000 hours in all; 5,300 in this make and model
- Last flight review: December 1, 2006
- Medical certificate: Class 2 (with waivers/limitations)
- Seat: sngl
- Injury: no injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 7,040 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, February 1, 2008
- Maximum gross weight: 4,000 lb
- Seats: 1
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Garrett TPE-331-G6 (turboprop); 0 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: NONE Altheimer AR at 6:30 pm
- Destination: NONE
- Flight plan: none
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 240° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 77°F (25°C), dew point 63°F (17°C)
- Altimeter: 30.01 inHg
- Observation at 4:53 pm from PBF
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.