# NTSB LAX87DVA11: Rockwell S-2R, N4219X, Mendota, CA, August 13, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: August 13, 1987, 07:12 local (14:12 UTC)
- Place: Mendota, CA
- Coordinates: 36.669521, -120.450187 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.6695&lon=-120.4502&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report January 11, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25331
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87DVA11
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25331/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87DVA11

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE GROUND FLAGMAN REPORTED THE PILOT HAD JUST COMPLETED SPRAYING THE BEAN FIELD. THE PILOT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF DOING A TOUCH-UP APPLICATION WHEN HE FLEW UNDER THE POWER LINES. THE AIRPLANE RIGHT WING CONTACTED THE LOWEST OF THE 4 POWERLINES, ROLLED INVERTED AND CRASHED. THE INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THAT THE RIGHT WING WAS UP AT THE TIME IT STRUCK THE POWER LINE. NO EVIDENCE OF ANY AIRPLANE PREEXISTING MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES WAS FOUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4219X](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4219X), registered now, S/N 1978R, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROCKWELL S-2R
- Registry model: [Rockwell International S-2R](https://openairdocs.org/model/rockwell-international-s-2r) (registry code 7630202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1978R
- Airframe hours: 9100
- Engines: P&W PT6A-34AG 750 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Vance Agcraft, Inc
- Registered owner: Westside Leasing
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 1987, 244 hours before
- Departed: MENDOTA, CA
- Airport: Q84, Mendota

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 7,014 total, 1,250 in this make and model, 7,014 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19870813044249A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870813044249A), Aug 13, 1987: Ayres S2RT34RESTD, Mendota, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Agricultural spray aircraft hit a powerline during spraying. Pilot may have been affected by phosphate poisoning.

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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