# NTSB CHI03LA243: Rockwell International S-2R, N4923X, Mitchell, SD, August 2, 2003 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 2, 2003, 07:40 local (12:40 UTC) - Place: Mitchell, SD - Coordinates: 43.729904, -98.030342 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.7299&lon=-98.0303&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report March 2, 2004 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 57631 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI03LA243 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/57631/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA243 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and not maintaining clearance from the power line during the low level aerial application maneuver. A related factor was the power line. ## 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 - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor) - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis The airplane was destroyed following an in-flight collision with power lines during a low-level aerial application pass. The airplane subsequently impacted a tree and terrain. The airplane was burned in a post-impact ground fire. The pilot reported that he circled to look for obstacles and then started spraying. He said that his airplane's main landing gear caught the wires that ran through the middle of the field. He stated that he lost control of the aircraft and it impacted a tree and terrain. After exiting the airplane, it subsequently burst into flames. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions during the flight. His recommendation was, "Take ample time to observe all obstacles and give them respect." ## Factual narrative On August 2, 2003, about 0740 central daylight time, a Rockwell International S-2R, N4923X, was destroyed following an in-flight collision with power lines during an aerial application flight near Mitchell, South Dakota. The airplane subsequently impacted a tree and terrain and burned in a post-impact ground fire. The pilot reported minor injuries. The aerial application flight was being operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The local flight originated from MJ Aviation Airport I, near Letcher, South Dakota, at 0700. The pilot reported that he circled the field to look for obstacles and then started spraying. He said that his airplane's main landing gear caught the wires that ran through the middle of the field. He stated: I proceeded forward straight [and] level across I-90 until [the] wires broke. At this time I lost control hit a tree and crashed at approximately 7:40 AM. I [immediately] removed seatbelt, helmet, and evacuated aircraft. I ran up to house got owner to call 911 and washed chemical off my skin with garden hose. At this time aircraft burst into flames, which were extinguished by Mitchell Fire [and] Rescue. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions during the flight. His recommendation was, "Take ample time to observe all obstacles and give them respect." ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4923X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4923X-2004-08-25), registration cancelled 2004-08-25, S/N 2119R, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Rockwell International S-2R - Registry model: [Rockwell International S-2R](https://openairdocs.org/model/rockwell-international-s-2r) (registry code 7630202) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 2119R - Airframe hours: 7441 - Engines: Pratt & Whitney R-1340-ANI 600 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: M J Aviation Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 2003, 285 hours before - Departed: SD01, Letcher, SD - Destination: SD01, Letcher, SD ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 31; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; last flight review January 12, 2003; seat: center; flight hours: 1,524 total, 947 in this make and model, 1,409 as pilot in command, 302 in the last 90 days, 128 in the last 30 days, 8 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 350° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 61 °F - Altimeter: 30.02 inHg - Observed at: MHE, 8 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20030802016099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20030802016099A), Aug 2, 2003: Ayres S2R, Mitchell, SD, Destroyed. (-23) On August 2, 2003, N4923K, a rockwell S-2R, struck a powerline at mile marker 334 near Mitchell SD, during an aerial application. The aircraft was… ## Other investigations on N4923X (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 CHI99LA287](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99LA287), Aug 11, 1999: Rockwell S-2R (N4923X), Garden City, KS, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's misjudging his pull-up maneuver resulting in contact with the wire. A contributing factor was the wire. 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.