The pilot was performing a low-level aerial application flight, applying liquid chemical to a rural pasture near White, South Dakota.
As the Aero Commander S2R was climbing out of the pasture, a flock of ducks flew in front of the airplane at about 30 feet AGL. Several seconds later, the turboprop engine quit producing thrust.
The pilot checked the engine gauges to verify the total loss of engine power. He moved the power lever forward and performed a forced landing from about 80 feet AGL to a grass field straight ahead. An emergency hopper dump was not performed prior to landing.
During the landing, the main landing gear sunk into the wet ground. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The pilot, who sustained minor injuries in the crash, climbed out of a broken window on the left side of the cockpit, as the right-side cockpit door was jammed from the mud.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount, fuselage, empennage, and the right wing.
A post-accident examination found remains from both male and female Mallard ducks.
Probable Cause: A low-level collision and engine ingestion with ducks, which resulted in a total loss of engine power, a forced landing, and a subsequent nose over.
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This June 2024 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
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