# NTSB LAX88DVA07: Ayres S2R, N5512X, Firebaugh, CA, June 21, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: June 21, 1988, 07:20 local (14:20 UTC)
- Place: Firebaugh, CA
- Coordinates: 36.850334, -120.539474 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.8503&lon=-120.5395&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report November 7, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25746
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88DVA07
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25746/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88DVA07

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - aerial application
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - object - pole (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING AN AGRICULTURAL SPRAYING RUN, THE AIRPLANE WAS REQUIRED TO FLY UNDER POWER LINES TO COMPLETE THE JOB. THE AIRPLANE WAS SEEN FLYING IN THE DIRECTION OF THE WIRES. THE AIRPLANE INITIALLY CONTACTED A LEVEE WITH THE WING AND THEN COLLIDED WITH A POWER POLE. THE AIRPLANE CAME TO REST SEVERAL HUNDRED FEET FROM THE INITIAL IMPACT. THE AIRPLANE WAS CONSUMED BY FIRE. THERE WERE NO REPORTED MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5512X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5512X-2013-09-16), registration cancelled 2013-09-16, S/N 1712R, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AYRES S2R
- Registry model: [Rockwell International S-2R](https://openairdocs.org/model/rockwell-international-s-2r) (registry code 7630202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney TWJR-SAIG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-twjr-saig) (registry code 52029, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1712R
- Airframe hours: 5299
- Engines: P&W PT6A-34AG 750 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Combs, Michael L.
- Registered owner: Vance Ag Craft, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 8, 1988, 84 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,902 total, 1,144 in this make and model, 1,556 as pilot in command, 210 in the last 90 days, 153 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 4 knots
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °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 19880621022459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880621022459A), Jun 21, 1988: Ayres S2RRESTD, Firebaugh, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Collided with a levee electrical pole and an alfalfa field during a spraying operation.

## Other investigations on N5512X (1)

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.

- [NTSB OAK79DVA41](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK79DVA41), Jun 9, 1979: Rockwell S2R (N5512X), Firebaugh, CA, substantial damage

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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