# NTSB LAX94LA379: Rockwell S2R, N8874Q, Visalia, CA, September 26, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 26, 1994, 08:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Visalia, CA
- Coordinates: 36.400119, -119.380775 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.4001&lon=-119.3808&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 9, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28873
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX94LA379
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28873/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA379

## Probable cause

the pilot failed to maintain an adequate visual lookout and collided with power lines which resulted in an in-flight loss of control and subsequent collision with terrain.

## 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
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE LEFT WING TIP OF THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH ELECTRICAL POWER LINES DURING A DESCENDING TURN PRIOR TO AN AERIAL APPLICATION. THE AIRPLANE DESCENDED UNCONTROLLED, IMPACTED THE GROUND, AND BURNED.  THE COMMERCIAL PILOT ESCAPED WITHOUT INJURY.

## Factual narrative

On September 26, 1994, at 0830 Pacific daylight time, a Rockwell S2R, N8874Q, collided with electrical power lines during a descent near Visalia, California.  The pilot was in a descending left turn, conducting an aerial application to a cotton field. The airplane, owned and operated by Gilbert Aviation Industries of Visalia, California, was destroyed by impact and postimpact fire.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.  The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.  The flight originated from Visalia Sequoia Field at approximately 0825.

The pilot reported in the aircraft accident report that the left wing contacted power lines.  The left wing struck the ground and the airplane burst into flames on impact.  The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector reported that there was approximately 5,000 square feet of impact and fire damage to the cotton field.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8874Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8874Q-1995-04-06), registration cancelled 1995-04-06, S/N 1474R (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROCKWELL S2R
- Registry model: [Aero Commander S2R](https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-commander-s2r) (registry code 0143022) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1474R
- Airframe hours: 8000
- Engines: P&W R1340 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Gilbert Aviation Industries
- Registered owner: Gilbert Aviation Industries
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, August 31, 1994, 60 hours before
- Departed: Q31, CA
- Destination: Q31, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 10,000 total, 6,000 in this make and model, 10,000 as pilot in command, 200 in the last 90 days, 50 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °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 19940926030519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940926030519A), Sep 26, 1994: Ayres S2RR1340REST, Visalia, CA, Destroyed. Left wing struck power line during spray run turn around. Crashed and burned.

## Other investigations on N8874Q (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 LAX83LA378](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA378), Aug 4, 1983: Rockwell S2R (N8874Q), Cantua Creek, 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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.