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July 17, 2003 · Ayres S2R-G6 · N3105U

Esmond, ND

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 17, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Esmond, ND
Aircraft
Ayres S2R-G6
Tail Number
N3105U
Operator
E & S Spraying
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI03LA215

The agricultural airplane impacted a drainage ditch during takeoff from a private grass airstrip. The pilot reported the spray hopper was jarred during takeoff by a bump in the runway and some mist stuck to the windshield. The pilot stated the mist obstructed his vision and he was unable to distinguish between the grass runway and the soybean fields to either side. The pilot reported the airplane drifted first to the left and then to the right of the crown of the runway before lifting off in ground effect. The pilot reported the airplane landed and skidded sideways into a drainage ditch. The pilot reported he noticed the spray hopper lid was latched during his pre-flight inspection, but it had a tendency to seep" a little around the lid.

NTSB Probable Cause

The obstruction of the windshield by the application chemical restricting the pilot's visual lookout, and the pilot's failure to perform an aborted takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident were the leak in the hopper lid and the drainage ditch.

Full Narrative

On July 16, 2003, at 1945 central daylight time, an Ayres S2R-G6, N3105U, operated by E & S Spraying, was substantially damaged on impact with terrain during takeoff on runway 36 (3,900 feet by 40 feet, turf) from a private airstrip six miles east of Esmond, North Dakota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The commercial pilot reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was not operating on a flight plan. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot reported he "hit a bump" about half way down the runway which, "jarred [the airplane] enough to get some spray mist on [the] windshield." The pilot stated the spray compound on the windshield made it difficult for him to distinguish the grass runway from the soybean fields on both sides of the runway. The pilot indicated the airplane began to drift to the right and then to the left of the "crown" of the runway. The pilot reported he "knew [he] had to dump the load to have a chance to get it flying." The pilot stated that about the time he was in ground effect the spray boom caught in the soybeans. The pilot reported he tried to keep the wings level to prevent the airplane from cartwheeling, and the airplane settled to the ground. The airplane skidded sideways, impacted a drainage ditch, and the landing gear collapsed. The pilot reported he noticed the spray hopper lid was latched during his pre-flight inspection, but it had a tendency to "seep" a little around the lid. The pilot reported no mechanical functions or defects prior to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:45 CDT
Nearest AirportPRIVATE (0nm N)
Runway36
Runway Length3900 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAyres S2R-G6
Tail NumberN3105U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorE & S Spraying
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsAllied Signal · G-6 · Turboprop · 750
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 37 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time00:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data