# NTSB FTW86FRG25: Aero Commander S2R, N8813Q, La Feria, TX, June 5, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: June 5, 1986, 12:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: La Feria, TX
- Coordinates: 26.149879, -97.819473 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.1499&lon=-97.8195&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): 21971
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86FRG25
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21971/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86FRG25

## 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,static (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT CONTACTED GUY WIRES WHICH SUPPORTED A 1000 FT HIGH TELEVISION TOWER. IMPACT WITH THE WIRES OCCURRED AT AN ALT OF APRX 300 FT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N8813Q (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: AERO COMMANDER S2R
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1513R
- Airframe hours: 6600
- Engines: P&W R1340 AN-1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: L. P. Nolen, doing business as Mercedes Flying Service, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 20, 1986, 15 hours before
- Departed: 57R, MERCEDES, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 66; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 20,000 total, 20,000 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days, 35 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F

## 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 19860605021789A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860605021789A), Jun 5, 1986: Ayres S2RR1340REST, La Feria, TX, Destroyed. After spraying a field, flew north,then west and struck the guy wires of a television tower. Hit ground and burned.

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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