# NTSB LAX83LA353: Ayres Turbo Thrush S2R-34, N57SK, Avenal, CA, July 23, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 22, 1983, 18:00 local (Jul 23, 1983, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Avenal, CA
- Coordinates: 35.889167, -120.070938 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.8892&lon=-120.0709&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23795
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83LA353
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23795/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA353

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
  - spray/dusting equipment - unmarked (contributing factor)
  - load jettison - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - aerial application
  - window,flight compartment window/windshield - dirty(foggy) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH WIRES DURING AERIAL APPLICATION. THE ACFT HOPPER WAS INADVERTENTLY SET ON FULL OPEN FOR THE 3RD OPERATION OF THE DAY. THERE IS NO INDICATOR IN THE COCKPIT TO SHOW THE PILOT THE POSITION OF THE GATE STOP. WHEN THE PILOT OPENED THE HOPPER GATE EXPECTING IT TO OPEN HALF-WAY IT OPENED ALL THE WAY. THE ACFT BALLOONED AS A RESULT AND COLLIDED WITH THE WIRES. THE PILOT WAS ABLE TO LEVEL THE ACFT BUT COULD NOT SEE BECAUSE OF MATERIAL FROM THE HOPPER ON THE WINDSHIELD AND HE COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N57SK (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: AYRES TURBO THRUSH S2R-34 (TURBO THRU)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: SNT 34-007
- Airframe hours: 2037
- Engines: P&W PT6A-34AG 750 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Super Kat Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, March 9, 1983, 43 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 5,921 total, 2,202 in this make and model, 5,821 as pilot in command, 400 in the last 90 days, 100 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 95 °F, dew point 46 °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 19830722039629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830722039629A), Jul 22, 1983: Ayres S2RT34RESTD, Avenal, CA, Substantial damage. Neglected to set stop on hopper and dumped load. Lightened aircraft climbed into a powerline. Crashed inverted.

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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