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NTSB Report
August 13, 1987 · Rockwell S-2R · N4219X
Mendota, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 13, 1987
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Mendota, CA
Aircraft
Rockwell S-2R
Tail Number
N4219X
Operator
Vance Agcraft
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX87DVA11
THE GROUND FLAGMAN REPORTED THE PILOT HAD JUST COMPLETED SPRAYING THE BEAN FIELD. THE PILOT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF DOING A TOUCH-UP APPLICATION WHEN HE FLEW UNDER THE POWER LINES. THE AIRPLANE RIGHT WING CONTACTED THE LOWEST OF THE 4 POWERLINES, ROLLED INVERTED AND CRASHED. THE INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THAT THE RIGHT WING WAS UP AT THE TIME IT STRUCK THE POWER LINE. NO EVIDENCE OF ANY AIRPLANE PREEXISTING MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES WAS FOUND.
Full Narrative
THE GROUND FLAGMAN REPORTED THE PILOT HAD JUST COMPLETED SPRAYING THE BEAN FIELD. THE PILOT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF DOING A TOUCH-UP APPLICATION WHEN HE FLEW UNDER THE POWER LINES. THE AIRPLANE RIGHT WING CONTACTED THE LOWEST OF THE 4 POWERLINES, ROLLED INVERTED AND CRASHED. THE INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THAT THE RIGHT WING WAS UP AT THE TIME IT STRUCK THE POWER LINE. NO EVIDENCE OF ANY AIRPLANE PREEXISTING MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES WAS FOUND.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:12 PDT
Nearest AirportMENDOTA (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRockwell S-2R
Tail NumberN4219X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorVance Agcraft
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 43 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT