# NTSB SEA97LA088: Rockwell S-2R, N4978X, Prescott, WA, April 18, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 18, 1997, 09:00 local (16:00 UTC) - Place: Prescott, WA - Coordinates: 46.350559, -118.470611 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.3506&lon=-118.4706&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report May 29, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 42587 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA97LA088 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42587/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA088 ## Probable cause failure of the pilot to maintain terrain clearance from uneven/hilly terrain. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - aerial application - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - Nose over, other ## Analysis During an aerial application flight, the aircraft was on a spray run from east to west when the right wing tip struck the ground approximately three feet from the top of sharply rising terrain. The wing dragged on the ground for several feet, and then the aircraft nosed over. At the point where the aircraft nosed over, evidence of propeller marks was noted. The aircraft continued to travel over the ground inverted for another 150 feet before it came to rest and was consumed by fire. Examination of the aircraft and engine did not reveal evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction. ## Factual narrative On April 18, 1997, at 0900 Pacific daylight time, a Rockwell International S-2R, N4978X, registered to and operated by Shupe Flying Service, as a 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight, collided with the terrain near Prescott, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was seriously injured. The flight originated from a private airstrip near the accident site about 30 minutes prior to the accident. Documentation at the accident site by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector from the Spokane, Washington, Flight Standards Field Office, reported that it appeared that the airplane was spraying a field from east to west. The inspector reported that the right side wing tip struck sharply rising terrain approximately three feet from the top. Evidence appears that the wing tip dragged on the ground for about 75 feet prior to the aircraft nosing over. At the point where the aircraft nosed over, a ground impact mark indicated propeller marks in the soil. The aircraft continued to travel for another 150 feet before coming to rest inverted. The engine broke away from the airframe and came to rest over the top of a knoll approximately 200 yards down into a ravine. Another agricultural pilot, operating in the area, reported that he had observed the aircraft make a turn and start the spray run from east to west when it went out of sight behind a hill. Shortly thereafter, the pilot observed smoke and went to investigate, assuming that the aircraft had crashed. As the pilot arrived at the accident location, he observed the accident pilot exiting the burning wreckage. The other agricultural pilot reported that the winds had been blowing from time-to-time in the ravines. Further inspection of the wreckage and engine did not reveal evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction. The accident pilot was hospitalized for several days after the accident and was unable to make a statement. The National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Operator Accident Report Form 6120.1/2 was sent to the pilot's home address on April 23, 1997. The pilot did not respond and another request for the pilot to complete the form was sent out on July 23, 1997. To this date, the pilot has not responded. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4978X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4978X-2013-08-19), registration cancelled 2013-08-19, S/N 5023R, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Rockwell 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: 5023R - Engines: Wright R-1300 800 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: Shupe Flying Service - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, November 20, 1996 ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 37; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 2,500 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 180° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft overcast - Temperature: 45 °F, dew point 36 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: ALW, 20 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 19970418006149A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970418006149A), Apr 18, 1997: Ayres S2R, Prescott, WA, Substantial damage. (.19) See NTSB #SEA97LA088 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.