# NTSB LAX04CA154: Ayres S-2R, N8930Q, Los Banos, CA, March 12, 2004 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: March 11, 2004, 18:00 local (Mar 12, 2004, 02:00 UTC) - Place: Los Banos, CA - Coordinates: 37.166667, -120.683334 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.1667&lon=-120.6833&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report June 2, 2004 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 58894 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX04CA154 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/58894/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04CA154 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to maintain proper runway alignment due to visual restrictions from the light condition, resulting in a nose over. Factors in the accident were the dusk light conditions and sun glare. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run - light condition - dusk (contributing factor) - visual lookout - restricted, pilot in command(cfi) (cause) - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor) - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command(cfi) (cause) - Nose over, takeoff - roll/run - terrain condition - soft ## Analysis The airplane veered off the runway and nosed over while attempting to takeoff in a westerly direction, during dusk. While on takeoff roll, the pilot's visibility was limited due to sun glare. He lost visual reference to the runway and veered off the pavement to the left. The airplane continued off the runway and encountered soft terrain. The left main landing gear sank, and the airplane nosed over, coming to rest inverted. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. ## Factual narrative On March 11, 2004, about 1800 Pacific standard time, an Ayres Thrush S-2R, N8930Q, veered off the runway and nosed over while attempting to takeoff at a private dirt strip near Los Banos, California. T-Craft, Inc., was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137 as a local aerial application flight. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was attempting to depart the field in a westerly direction, during dusk. While on takeoff roll, his visibility was limited due to glare from the setting sun. The pilot lost visual reference to the runway and veered off the pavement to the left. The airplane continued off the runway and encountered soft terrain. The left main landing gear sank, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane came to rest inverted. The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had departed in an easterly direction. The airplane incurred damage to the wing tips and cockpit. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N8930Q](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8930Q), registered now, S/N 2443R, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Ayres S-2R - Registry model: [Ayres S-2R](https://openairdocs.org/model/ayres-s-2r) (registry code 0970101) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 2443R - Engines: Pratt & Whitney R1340 reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: T-Craft, Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Departed: Los Banos, CA - Destination: Los Banos, CA - Airport: 0, Private Airstrip, runway 27, 2,640 × 60 ft, dirt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 58; injuries: minor; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2; flight hours: 25,000 total, 15,000 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk ## 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 20040311003659A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20040311003659A), Mar 11, 2004: Ayres S2R, Los Banos, CA, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot was taking off from an agricultural airstrip that was facing the sun at sunset and the pilot's forward vision was obstructed from the sunset. Loss… ## Other investigations on N8930Q (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 LAX88DVA12](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88DVA12), Aug 20, 1988: Ayres S2R (N8930Q), Kerman, CA, substantial damage 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.