# Accident 20030521010799A: Ayres S2R, Willows, CA, May 21, 2003

- Type: FAA accident report (Accident/Incident Data System), as reported
- Date: May 21, 2003, 11:45 local time
- Place: Willows, CA
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Phase of flight: Fcd/Prec Ldg From Cruise
- Operating rules: Agricultural (Part 137)
- Operator: NHZG
- Location: 39.5056° N, 121.9631° W: From the FAA
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.5056&lon=-121.9631&mi=10
- Aircraft: N5653X, a cancelled registration (https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5653X-2013-08-15) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry model: Aero Commander S2R (registry code 0143022, https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-commander-s2r) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: Pratt & Whitney R1340 series (registry code 52016, https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AYRES S2R
- Reported engine: PWA PT6A20
- Fatal injuries: 0
- Pilot flight hours: 8,000 total, 900 in this make and model, 150 in the last 90 days
- NTSB investigation: [NTSB LAX03LA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA158) (OpenAirDocs)
- FAA source: FAA Aviation Safety Information Portal (https://asip.faa.gov/)
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/incident/20030521010799A

## Narrative

As the FAA filed it, in capitals; the FAA replaces private details with ^PRIVACY DATA OMITTED^.

(-23) AIRCRAFT WAS APPLYING COPPER SULFATE TO A FIELD NORTH OF WILLOWS, CALIFORNIA. AFTER APPLICATION PASS, PILOT MADE A HARD PULL-UP. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHEN HE REACHED THE TOP OF THE PULL-UP, THE ENGINE "SPUTTERED". AS HE LEVELED OFF AT ABOUT 400 FT. AGL, THE ENGINE QUIT. THE PILOT MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A DRY FIELD. THE AIRCRAFT SKIDDED ABOUT 100 FT. AND WENT UP ON ITS NOSE. THE PILOT AND SOLE OCCUPANT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE PILOT REPORTED TAKING ON FUEL 3 LOADS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT. HE STATED THAT THE TANKS LOOKED FULL FROM THE PILOT'S SEAT. TO MY KNOWLEDGE, THE FUEL TRUCK OR THE FUEL IN THE AIRCRAFT WERE NOT CHECKED FOR CONTAMINATION PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT. WITH NTSB CONCURRENCE, THE AIRCRAFT WAS RECOVERED BY THE OWNER AND TRANSPORTED TO HIS HANGER IN CHICO, CALIFORNIA. NTSB CONTACT: HOWARD PLAGENS (310) 380-5656. FOR DETAILS REFER TO SACFSDO FILE. THIS REPORT WILL BE AMENDED AS MORE INFORMATION BECOMES AVAILABLE.

## The NTSB's investigation of this event (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB LAX03LA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA158), May 21, 2003: Ayres S2R-T34 (N5653X), Willows, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: A loss of engine power for an undetermined reason during an aerial application.

From the FAA Accident/Incident Data System. Reports are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. For accidents, the NTSB's own investigation is the fuller record.

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