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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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NTSB Report

June 13, 2000 · Ayres S2R-T34 · N3096Z

Helena, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 13, 2000
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Helena, AR
Aircraft
Ayres S2R-T34
Tail Number
N3096Z
Operator
Griffin Ag
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW00LA179

The commercial pilot finished spraying a field and was returning to a private airstrip to reload. The FAA inspector stated that a witness observed the airplane fly below unmarked power lines, impact the power lines, and then enter a 'steep climb...it then appeared to enter a stall, then spin into the ground.'

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the power lines.

Full Narrative

On June 13, 2000, at 1203 central daylight time, an Ayres S2R-T34 agricultural airplane, N3096Z, was destroyed when it impacted wires and terrain near Helena, Arkansas. The airplane was registered to and operated by Griffin Ag, Inc., of Helena, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The local flight departed a private airstrip near Helena at 1145. According to the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, the airplane finished spraying a field and was returning to the airstrip to reload. The FAA inspector stated that a witness observed the airplane fly below unmarked power lines, impact the power lines, and then enter a "steep climb...it then appeared to enter a stall, then spin into the ground." In the enclosed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the operator reported that the commercial pilot accumulated 2,000 total flight hours, of which 450 hours were in the same make and model as the accident airplane. An autopsy on the pilot was performed at the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory in Little Rock, Arkansas. The medical examiner reported that the pilot died as a result of multiple injuries sustained in an aircraft accident. Toxicology tests for carbon monoxide, cyanide, ethanol, and drugs were negative.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:03 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAyres S2R-T34
Tail NumberN3096Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorGriffin Ag
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsP&W · PT6A-34AG · Turboprop · 750
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 24 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data