# NTSB CHI03LA278: Ayres S2R-G6, N23EG, Breckenridge, MI, August 19, 2003 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 19, 2003, 07:55 local (11:55 UTC) - Place: Breckenridge, MI - Coordinates: 43.393611, -84.50222 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.3936&lon=-84.5022&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report July 29, 2004 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA-Grand Rapids-FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 57752 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI03LA278 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/57752/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA278 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the powerlines during the aerial application pass rendering the airplane uncontrollable. The powerlines were a factor. ## 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 - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis The airplane was destroyed when it impacted the terrain after striking a powerline during an aerial application flight. Witnesses reported seeing the airplane initiate a pass at the field being sprayed. The witnesses reported that airplane struck the bottom wire of a set of powerlines that ran through the field. The witnesses reported seeing a part of the airplane come off when the airplane hit the wire. A postaccident examination of the accident site revealed that the vertical stabilizer and rudder had been torn from the airplane. The vertical stabilizer and rudder were found near the powerlines. No pre-impact defects were found with respect to the airplane, it's engine, or systems. ## Factual narrative On August 19, 2003, at 0755 eastern daylight time, an Ayres S2R-G6, N23EG, piloted by a commercial pilot, was destroyed when it impacted the terrain after striking a powerline near Breckenridge, Michigan. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The pilot was fatally injured. The flight originated from a private airstrip in Wheeler, Michigan, at 0715. Witnesses reported seeing the airplane initiate a south to north pass at the field being sprayed. The witnesses reported that airplane struck the bottom wire of a set of powerlines that ran through the field. The witnesses reported seeing a part of the airplane come off when the airplane hit the wire. A postaccident examination of the accident site revealed that the vertical stabilizer and rudder had been torn from the airplane. The vertical stabilizer and rudder were found near the powerlines. No pre-impact defects were found with respect to the airplane, it's engine, or systems. The pilot of the airplane initially survived the accident, however, he perished while en-route to the hospital. An autopsy was performed on behalf of the Saginaw County Medical Examiner's Office, on August 21, 2003. A "Final Forensic Toxicology Fatal Accident Report" listed 0.091 ug/ml Chlorpheniramine detected in the blood. Chlorpheniramine is an over-the-counter sedating antihistamine commonly used for cold and allergy symptoms. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N23EG](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N23EG-2005-06-20), registration cancelled 2005-06-20, S/N G6-135, built 1996 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Ayres S2R-G6 - Registry model: [Ayres S2R-G6](https://openairdocs.org/model/ayres-s2r-g6) (registry code 0970216) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [AiResearch TPE331 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/airesearch-tpe331-series) (registry code 01514, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: G6-135 - Airframe hours: 3224 - Engines: Airesearch TPE331-6 750 horsepower turbo prop - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Operator: Gorsuch, Earl M - Registered owner: Earls Spray Service, Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, October 1, 2002, 343 hours before - Departed: PVT, Wheeler, MI ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 58; injuries: fatal; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review October 1, 2001; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 10,150 total, 120 in the last 30 days, 7 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 0° at 0 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 55 °F - Altimeter: 30.19 inHg - Observed at: MBS, 20 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 20030819022729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20030819022729A), Aug 19, 2003: Swrngn S2RG6, Breckenridge, MI, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. (-23) Aircraft vertical stabilizer struck overhead wire during spray run. Vertical stabilizer and rudder were found in field approximately 100-200 feet from… 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.