Accident Overview
On March 12, 2019, at approximately 0642 hours local time, a Thrush Aircraft S2RT-T34 agricultural aircraft, registration RP-R1127, made a forced landing in Brgy. Poblacion, Mawab, Compostela Valley, Philippines. The aircraft, owned and operated by Airtrac Agricultural Corporation, was conducting aerial spraying operations. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries and succumbed to death four days later. The aircraft came to rest in a banana plantation with a last heading of 130 degrees at coordinates 7°31.755' N, 125°56.494' E.
Flight Details
The accident occurred during the cruise phase of the second load of spraying chemicals. The pilot was completing the fourth swath line when the incident happened, as recorded by the onboard GPS. Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed at the time. A witness, another pilot in the area, observed a flame emanating from the right exhaust before the aircraft impacted the ground.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained substantial damage. All three propeller blades were bent. The main landing gears, wings, and fuselage were significantly damaged due to the ground impact.
Probable Cause
The engine power loss resulted from a fracture of the primary CT blade #3 (part number 3102401-01). The fracture occurred due to high cycle fatigue originating from the airfoil trailing edge, leading to secondary damages.