# NTSB MKC89LA018: Rockwell S2R, N5517X, Sublette, KS, November 1, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 1, 1988, 12:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Sublette, KS
- Coordinates: 37.469791, -100.839736 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.4698&lon=-100.8397&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report November 7, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34717
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89LA018
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34717/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA018

## 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 - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE CONDUCTING AN AERIAL APPLICATION OPERATION, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK SOME CROSS-COUNTRY POWER LINES. THE ACFT NOSED DOWN AND STRUCK THE TERRAIN, CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE ACFT AND SERIOUS INJURIES TO THE PILOT. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO RECALL THE EVENTS IMMEDIATELY BEFORE STRIKING THE POWER LINES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5517X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5517X-2013-04-22), registration cancelled 2013-04-22, S/N 5077R, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROCKWELL S2R
- Registry model: [Rockwell International S-2R](https://openairdocs.org/model/rockwell-international-s-2r) (registry code 7630202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Wright C7BA series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/wright-c7ba-series) (registry code 67017, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 5077R
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Stapleton, Dorsey G.
- Registered owner: Weeks, Dennis E.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, September 16, 1988, 20 hours before
- Departed: KS51, WATSON, KS

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 9,000 total, 4,000 in this make and model, 9,000 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GCK, 25 nm away

## 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 19881101048829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881101048829A), Nov 1, 1988: Ayres S2RR1340REST, Sublette, KS, Substantial damage. Struck powerlines and crashed during a spraying operation.

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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