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NTSB Report
April 17, 1987 · Aero Commander S-2D · N1714S
Columbus, NM
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 17, 1987
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Columbus, NM
Aircraft
Aero Commander S-2D
Tail Number
N1714S
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN87LA102
THE PLT DEPARTED DEMING, NM AND FLEW TO A RANCH 15 MI N OF COLUMBUS, NM, TO POSITION THE ACFT FOR AERIAL SPRAYING THAT DAY. IT WAS STILL DARK WHEN THE PLT MADE HIS APCH TO A ROAD PARALLELED BY POWER LINES ON THE LEFT AND TELEPHONE CABLE MARKER POSTS ON THE RIGHT. THE PLT SAID HE HAD LANDED ON THIS ROAD PREVIOUSLY. THE ACFT WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A LANDING LIGHT. THE PLT SAID HE APPARENTLY ALLOWED THE ACFT TO DRIFT TO THE LEFT. REALIZING THIS, THE PLT ADDED POWER AND BANKED IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAKE A GO-AROUND. THE LEFT WING TIP SNAGGED A POWER LINE THEN A DOUBLE TRANSFORMER POLE. THE ACFT CARTWHEELED AND CRASHED IN AN ADJOINING FIELD, COMING TO REST INVERTED. THE PLT SAID HE SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE ACFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED.
Full Narrative
THE PLT DEPARTED DEMING, NM AND FLEW TO A RANCH 15 MI N OF COLUMBUS, NM, TO POSITION THE ACFT FOR AERIAL SPRAYING THAT DAY. IT WAS STILL DARK WHEN THE PLT MADE HIS APCH TO A ROAD PARALLELED BY POWER LINES ON THE LEFT AND TELEPHONE CABLE MARKER POSTS ON THE RIGHT. THE PLT SAID HE HAD LANDED ON THIS ROAD PREVIOUSLY. THE ACFT WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A LANDING LIGHT. THE PLT SAID HE APPARENTLY ALLOWED THE ACFT TO DRIFT TO THE LEFT. REALIZING THIS, THE PLT ADDED POWER AND BANKED IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAKE A GO-AROUND. THE LEFT WING TIP SNAGGED A POWER LINE THEN A DOUBLE TRANSFORMER POLE. THE ACFT CARTWHEELED AND CRASHED IN AN ADJOINING FIELD, COMING TO REST INVERTED. THE PLT SAID HE SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE ACFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time05:50 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAero Commander S-2D
Tail NumberN1714S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-1340-AN1 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
Wind220° @ 5 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 21 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time12:35
Weather SourcePILO