Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX94LA379

VISALIA, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N8874Q

ROCKWELL S2R

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 Information

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.

Probable Cause and Findings

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.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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