Accident Overview
On July 26, 2024, at approximately 1313 central daylight time, an Ayres S2R-G6 airplane, registration N6136Z, was substantially damaged when it impacted a steel fence during a forced landing near Alliance Municipal Airport (AIA) in Antioch, Nebraska. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 positioning flight.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that while about 7 miles from the destination airport at an altitude of approximately 500 ft above ground level, the engine exhaust gas temperature and torque indications dropped to zero. The engine did not respond to throttle increases, prompting the pilot to execute a forced landing to a pasture in an unpopulated area. During the landing, the airplane struck a steel fence, causing substantial damage to both wings.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination revealed the presence of fuel in the fuel tanks. Fuel samples taken from each fuel tank were clear. However, a sample from the airframe fuel filter exhibited a brown tint with minor debris, and a sample from the engine fuel filter showed a brown tint with no obvious debris. Due to the small volume of the filter samples, volatility and contaminants testing could not be performed. Testing for corrosiveness and water-soluble components, which were completed, indicated results within specifications.
Engine Test Run
A postaccident engine test run was conducted at the accident site using clean fuel supplied directly to the engine. The engine started smoothly and operated without any observed anomalies.