# NTSB SEA86LA178: Ayres S-2R, N5017X, Kuna, ID, July 24, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 23, 1986, 23:20 local (Jul 24, 1986, 05:20 UTC)
- Place: Kuna, ID
- Coordinates: 43.430522, -116.320701 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.4305&lon=-116.3207&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40451
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA86LA178
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40451/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA86LA178

## 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
  - became lost/disoriented - inadvertent, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
- Fire, other

## Analysis

ACFT WAS OBSERVED IN ORBIT PATTERN NEAR OBJECT FIELD FOR NIGHT AERIAL APPLICATION. PLT OVERFLEW OBJECT FIELD SECURED ACFT LIGHTS AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER COLLIDED WITH POWERLINE TOWER. PLT HAD MADE APPLICATION AT THIS FIELD FOUR PREVIOUS TIMES THIS YEAR. GROUND OBSERVERS SPECULATE UNUSUAL PATTERN AND PLT ACTIONS INDICATIVE OF PLT UNSURE OF GROUND REFERENCES. A FIELD WORKER TRIED TO HELP RESCUE THE PLT AND WAS BURNED SERIOUSLY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5017X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5017X-2014-10-14), registration cancelled 2014-10-14, S/N 5049R, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AYRES S-2R
- 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: 5049R
- Airframe hours: 4577
- Engines: P&W 1340 AN1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Clarks Air Service, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 1986, 4 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 5,527 total, 5,527 in this make and model, 5,423 as pilot in command, 150 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 100° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: BOI, 9 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 19860723035499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860723035499A), Jul 23, 1986: Ayres S2RR1340REST, Kuna, ID, Destroyed. Collided with powerline tower while lining up to spray at night. Impacted the ground and burned.

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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