# NTSB LAX83FA120: Ayres S2R-R3S, N40160, Kerman, CA, February 27, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 27, 1983, 15:25 local (23:25 UTC)
- Place: Kerman, CA
- Coordinates: 36.710437, -120.149635 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.7104&lon=-120.1496&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): 23429
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83FA120
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23429/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FA120

## 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 - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - aerial application

## Analysis

THE ACFT RETURNING FROM A SPRAY MISSION COLLIDED WITH A TREE AND CRASHED NEAR THE PILOTS HOME. THE PILOT MADE A LOW PASSOVER HIS HOUSE TO LET HIS WIFE KNOW HE HAD RETURNED. HE MADE A SPRAY RUN OVER HIS OWN VINEYARD AND COLLIDED WITH A LARGETREE WHILE PULLING UP AND ROLLING. AFTER TREE CONTACT THE ACFT KEPT ROLLING AND IMPACTED THE GROUND. NO EVIDENCE WAS FOUND TO INDICATE ANY PRE-IMPACT FAILURES IN EQUIPMENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N40160](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N40160-1984-10-26), registration cancelled 1984-10-26, S/N R3S-007 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Ayres S2R-R3S
- Registry model: [Ayres S2R-R3S](https://openairdocs.org/model/ayres-s2r-r3s) (registry code 0970202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: R3S-007
- Airframe hours: 975
- Engines: WRIGHT R1820-71 1200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Aircraft Spray, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, December 31, 1982, 83 hours before
- Departed: Q77, KERMAN, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 7,800 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 7,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point -0 °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 19830227005349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830227005349A), Feb 27, 1983: Ayres S2RR3SRESTD, Kerman, CA, Destroyed. Aircraft struck a tree when pilot buzzed his home en route to base after a spray run. Seatbelt not fastened.

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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