# NTSB LAX87DVA09: Ayres S2R-T34, N4012Y, Mendota, CA, May 21, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: May 21, 1987, 05:30 local (12:30 UTC)
- Place: Mendota, CA
- Coordinates: 36.669307, -120.449676 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.6693&lon=-120.4497&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25329
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87DVA09
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25329/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87DVA09

## 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
  - light condition - dawn (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - utility pole (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - window,flight compartment window/windshield - dirty(foggy) (contributing factor)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING AN AGRICULTURAL APPLICATION FLIGHT, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A POLE THAT WAS LOCATED 30 FEET WITHIN THE FIELD BOUNDARY. THE PILOT STATED THAT DUE TO THE DAWN LIGHT AND THE WAY THE POLE BLENDED IN WITH THE FIELD ALONG WITH A LIGHT AMOUNT OF CHEMICAL ON THE WINDSHIELD, HE DID NOT SEE THE POLE TO AVOID THE COLLISION. THERE WERE NO REPORTED MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4012Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4012Y-2012-11-15), registration cancelled 2012-11-15, S/N 6047, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AYRES S2R-T34
- Registry model: [Ayres S2R-T34](https://openairdocs.org/model/ayres-s2r-t34) (registry code 0970106) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney PT6A series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-pt6a-series) (registry code 52032, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 6047
- Airframe hours: 4550
- Engines: P&W PT6-34-AG 600 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Agro West, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, February 15, 1987, 40 hours before
- Departed: MENDOTA, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 7,800 total, 5,000 in this make and model, 7,800 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dawn
- Wind: 315° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 52 °F

## 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 19870521038759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870521038759A), May 21, 1987: Ayres S2RRESTD, Mendota, CA, Substantial damage. During spray operation the aircraft struck a pole, impacted crops. Pilots vision obscured in dawn light conditions.

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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