# NTSB SEA92LA056: Aero Commander S-2R, N1763S, Dufur, OR, March 8, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 8, 1992, 11:42 local (19:42 UTC)
- Place: Dufur, OR
- Coordinates: 45.400444, -121.159561 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.4004&lon=-121.1596&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41638
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA92LA056
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41638/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA056

## Probable cause

THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S MISJUDGMENT OF CLEARANCE WITH THE POWER LINES. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: OBJECT (TRANSMISSION WIRE) AND SAFETY SYSTEM (NOT INSTALLED).

## 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)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - safety system(other) - not installed (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS ENGAGED IN APPLYING HERBICIDE TO A WHEAT FIELD WHICH WAS CROSSED BY A DOUBLE SET OF POWER LINES. DURING A SWATH RUN AND WHILE FLYING EASTBOUND, THE AIRCRAFT'S CANOPY AND VERTICAL STABILIZER SNAGGED THE LOWEST SET OF WIRES WHICH WERE APPROXIMATELY 25 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND. THE AIRCRAFT WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN UPPER FUSELAGE CABLE CUTTING SAFETY MECHANISM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1763S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1763S-1992-09-30), registration cancelled 1992-09-30, S/N 1419R (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERO COMMANDER S-2R
- Registry model: [Aero Commander S2R](https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-commander-s2r) (registry code 0143022) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1419-R
- Airframe hours: 4933
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN-1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Richardson Airway, Inc.
- Registered owner: Richardson Airway, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, February 1, 1992, 25 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 10,000 total, 6,000 in this make and model, 9,800 as pilot in command, 25 in the last 90 days, 25 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DLS, 10 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 19920308007469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920308007469A), Mar 8, 1992: Ayres S2RR1340REST, Dufuf, OR, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Struck bottom cable of powerline during spray run pullup. Line was 25 feet AGL. Crashed and burned.

## Other investigations on N1763S (2)

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 SEA73DYG10](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA73DYG10), Aug 12, 1972: Snow S-2R (N1763S), Wiley City, WA, substantial damage
- [NTSB SEA72DYG30](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA72DYG30), Mar 17, 1972: Snow 600S2R (N1763S), Sunnyside, WA, 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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