# NTSB LAX84LA085: Aero Commander S2R, N8837Q, Firebaugh, CA, December 1, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 1, 1983, 06:50 local (14:50 UTC)
- Place: Firebaugh, CA
- Coordinates: 36.850509, -120.53923 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.8505&lon=-120.5392&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24106
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA085
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24106/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA085

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - flt control syst,aileron control - locked (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft handling - not possible, pilot in command
  - aborted takeoff - initiated, pilot in command
- Forced landing, landing
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE FORGOT TO REMOVE THE AILERON BLOCKS BEFORE THE FLIGHT. WHEN HE WAS TAKING OFF, THE ACFT BEGAN TO ROLL TO THE LEFT. HE WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE BANK ATTITUDE WITH RUDDER CONTROL, SO HE 'CUT' THE POWER. SECONDS LATER THE ACFT CRASH LANDED IN A SOFT, PLOWED FIELD & SUBSEQUENTLY CAME TO REST INVERTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N8837Q (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: AERO COMMANDER S2R
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1537R
- Airframe hours: 6317
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN-1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Tri Air Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, November 4, 1983, 15 hours before
- Departed: CA
- Airport: Q49, Firebaugh, runway 3, 3,100 × 60 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 25,900 total, 8,244 in this make and model, 25,675 as pilot in command, 219 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dawn
- Wind: 300° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19831201059529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831201059529A), Dec 1, 1983: Ayres S2RRESTD, Firebaugh, CA, Substantial damage. Pilot forgot to remove aileron control lock and could not control aircraft after takeoff.

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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