# NTSB BFO87LA034: Ayres Turbo Thrush 52R34, Lavale, MD, May 8, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 8, 1987, 07:15 local (11:15 UTC)
- Place: Lavale, MD
- Coordinates: 38.990066, -76.469573 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.9901&lon=-76.4696&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 3, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11318
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO87LA034
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11318/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO87LA034

## Analysis

WHILE SPRAYING FOR GYPSY MOTHS DURING THE EARLY MORNING, THE TURBO-THRUSH COLLIDED WITH STATIC WIRES LOCATED ON TOP OF HIGH TENSION LINES. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE DID NOT SEE THE WIRES BECAUSE THEY WERE LOCATED ON THE SHADY SIDE OF AN ADJACENT MOUNTAIN.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - light condition - dawn (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,static (contributing factor)

## Aircraft

- Registration: CGDFQ (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Ayres TURBO THRUSH 52R34 (TURBO THRU)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2369R
- Airframe hours: 3077
- Engines: P&W PT6A-34 600 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Robert Ruhe Ag Service
- Registered owner: Agric-Air
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, April 24, 1987
- Departed: CBE, CUMBERLAND, MD

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 10,000 total, 250 in this make and model, 9,500 as pilot in command, 75 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 39 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CBE

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.

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