# NTSB FTW84LA228: Rockwell S-2R, N8481V, Bay City, TX, May 10, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 9, 1984, 19:40 local (May 10, 1984, 00:40 UTC)
- Place: Bay City, TX
- Coordinates: 28.969589, -95.959068 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.9696&lon=-95.9591&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21330
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW84LA228
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21330/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW84LA228

## 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
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE SPRAYING A FIELD WITH PROPANEL & MODOWN GRASS KILLERS, THE PLT WAS CROSSING BELOW A HIGH TENSION POWER LINE. THE VERTICAL STABILIZER CONTACTED THE LOWEST WIRE WHICH TORE LOOSE THE VERTICAL STABILIZER. THE ACFT PITCHED NOSE UP, THEN IT DOVE DOWN, CRASHED & BURNED. THE PLT WAS RESCUED FROM THE PLANE, BUT HE INHALED A LARGE AMOUNT OF HERBICIDE & DIED LATER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8481V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8481V), registered now, S/N 2314R, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Rockwell S-2R
- Registry model: [Rockwell International S-2R](https://openairdocs.org/model/rockwell-international-s-2r) (registry code 7630202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [AiResearch TPE331 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/airesearch-tpe331-series) (registry code 01517, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2314R
- Airframe hours: 4400
- Engines: GARRETT TPE 331 600 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Jerry'S Flying Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, May 2, 1984, 40 hours before
- Departed: BAY CITY, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 1,712 total, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19840509016469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840509016469A), May 9, 1984: Ayres S2RRESTD, Bay City, TX, Substantial damage. Tried to fly under powerline during a spray run. Wires tore loose horizontal stabilizer. Went straight up and down.

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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