# NTSB FTW95LA379: Rockwell S-2R, N4998X, Loop, TX, September 5, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 4, 1995, 19:15 local (Sep 5, 1995, 00:15 UTC)
- Place: Loop, TX
- Coordinates: 32.920303, -102.419525 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.9203&lon=-102.4195&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 27, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19571
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA379
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19571/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA379

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE WITH THE POWER LINE. A FACTOR WAS THE SUN GLARE LIGHT CONDITIONS.

## 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
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS MONITORING THE ON BOARD SAT-LOC (GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM) WHILE FLYING WESTBOUND TOWARDS THE SETTING SUN. THE PILOT BANKED TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID A SMALL SIGN IN THE FIELD HE WAS SPRAYING WHEN THE LEFT WING IMPACTED A 115,000 VOLT POWER LINE. CONTROL WAS LOST AND THE AIRPLANE CAME TO REST IN A COTTON FIELD.

## Factual narrative

On September 4, 1995, at 1915 central daylight time, a Rockwell International S-2R, N4998X, was substantially damaged upon impact with a power line while maneuvering near Loop, Texas.  The commercial pilot was not injured. The aircraft was being operated on an aerial application flight by Loop Spraying Service Inc., under Title 14 CFR Part 137 when the accident occurred.  The flight originated at Seagraves, Texas, at approximately 1800 CDT. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident for which no flight plan was filed.

The pilot stated to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that he had been spraying since early in the morning, and was near the end of his task for the day.  The pilot further stated that he was monitoring the on-board SAT-LOC while flying westbound towards the setting sun, when he got a glance of a small warning sign in the field.  The pilot added that he banked the airplane to the right to provide additional clearance, when the left wing impacted the 115,000 volt power distribution line.

Control was lost and the airplane came to rest in a cotton field in the inverted position.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4998X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4998X-1997-09-12), registration cancelled 1997-09-12, S/N 2127R (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)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2127R
- Engines: GARRETT TPE331-1 675 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Loop Spraying Service, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, November 15, 1994, 300 hours before
- Departed: F97, SEAGRAVES, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 3,500 total, 8 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 31.00 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 19950904027959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950904027959A), Sep 4, 1995: Ayres S2R, Loop, TX, Substantial damage. Flying into sun on spray run banked avoid sign. Wing hit powerline. Lost control and crashed in cotton field.

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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