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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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April 7, 1993 · Aero Commander ST-R · N1783S

San Jose, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 7, 1993
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
San Jose, CA
Aircraft
Aero Commander ST-R
Tail Number
N1783S
Operator
Ag-Rotors
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX93LA167

THE PILOT WAS EXECUTING AN AERIAL APPLICATION PROCEDURE TURN-AROUND WHEN HE INADVERTENTLY ENTERED INTO A STALL AND SPUN TO THE GROUND. THERE WERE NO REPORTED PREEXISTING MALFUNCTION OR FAILURES.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED RESULTING IN AN INADVERTENT STALL/SPIN.

Full Narrative

On April 7, 1993, at about 1006 hours Pacific daylight time, a Rockwell Aero Commander ST-R, N1783S, crashed in an open field about 13 miles southeast of San Jose, California. The pilot was conducting a local visual flight rules aerial application flight. The airplane, operated by Ag-Rotors, Inc., dba Cantrell Ag Air, was destroyed. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated at Hollister Airport, Hollister, California, at about 0930 hours. Mr. Jim Friel, principal operations inspector, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), San Jose [California] Flight Standards District Office, conducted the on scene investigation. Inspector Friel reported that the ground loader stated that the pilot was spraying the field with Bamville mixed with MCTA/AMINE herbicide. At the completion of a spray run the aircraft pulled up sharply and nosed over during the procedure turn-around. The operator reported that the pilot executed 4 to 5 aerial application passes over the wheat field. During the last spray pass, the airplane entered into a "stall and spun into the ground."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:06 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAero Commander ST-R
Tail NumberN1783S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorAg-Rotors
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-1340-81A · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 22 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility40 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 50
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data