# NTSB LAX88DVA13: Ayres 600-S2D, N1779S, Los Banos, CA, August 30, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: August 30, 1988, 01:30 local (08:30 UTC)
- Place: Los Banos, CA
- Coordinates: 37.070213, -120.840721 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.0702&lon=-120.8407&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25752
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88DVA13
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25752/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88DVA13

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, maneuvering
  - engine assembly,cylinder - cracked (cause)
  - fluid,oil - leak (cause)
- Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - precautionary landing - initiated, pilot in command
  - window,flight compartment window/windshield - fouled (contributing factor)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

PLT WAS ENGAGED IN AERIAL APPLICATION WHEN NO 9 CYL HEAD CRACKED. PLT RETURNED FOR PRECAUTIONARY LNDG. ON APPROACH, OIL OBSCURED WINDSHIELD. PLT MISSED LANDING AREA; LANDED IN CULTIVATED FIELD BESIDE LANDING AREA. ACFT NOSED OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1779S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1779S-1989-06-07), registration cancelled 1989-06-07, S/N 6001379D (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AYRES 600-S2D
- Registry model: [Aero Commander 600 S-2D](https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-commander-600-s-2d) (registry code 0143010) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 600-1379D
- Airframe hours: 13129
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN-1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: San Luis Air, Inc.
- Registered owner: San Luis Air, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, January 4, 1988, 300 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 9,890 total, 3,500 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °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 19880830035929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880830035929A), Aug 30, 1988: Ayres 600S2DRESTD, Los Banos, CA, Substantial damage. Nosed over short of the ag strip after the engine failed. Found a blown cylinder.

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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