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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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August 2, 2003 · Rockwell International S-2R · N4923X

Mitchell, SD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 2, 2003
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Mitchell, SD
Aircraft
Rockwell International S-2R
Tail Number
N4923X
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI03LA243

The airplane was destroyed following an in-flight collision with power lines during a low-level aerial application pass. The airplane subsequently impacted a tree and terrain. The airplane was burned in a post-impact ground fire. The pilot reported that he circled to look for obstacles and then started spraying. He said that his airplane's main landing gear caught the wires that ran through the middle of the field. He stated that he lost control of the aircraft and it impacted a tree and terrain. After exiting the airplane, it subsequently burst into flames. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions during the flight. His recommendation was, "Take ample time to observe all obstacles and give them respect."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and not maintaining clearance from the power line during the low level aerial application maneuver. A related factor was the power line.

Full Narrative

On August 2, 2003, about 0740 central daylight time, a Rockwell International S-2R, N4923X, was destroyed following an in-flight collision with power lines during an aerial application flight near Mitchell, South Dakota. The airplane subsequently impacted a tree and terrain and burned in a post-impact ground fire. The pilot reported minor injuries. The aerial application flight was being operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The local flight originated from MJ Aviation Airport I, near Letcher, South Dakota, at 0700. The pilot reported that he circled the field to look for obstacles and then started spraying. He said that his airplane's main landing gear caught the wires that ran through the middle of the field. He stated: I proceeded forward straight [and] level across I-90 until [the] wires broke. At this time I lost control hit a tree and crashed at approximately 7:40 AM. I [immediately] removed seatbelt, helmet, and evacuated aircraft. I ran up to house got owner to call 911 and washed chemical off my skin with garden hose. At this time aircraft burst into flames, which were extinguished by Mitchell Fire [and] Rescue. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions during the flight. His recommendation was, "Take ample time to observe all obstacles and give them respect."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:40 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRockwell International S-2R
Tail NumberN4923X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · R-1340-ANI · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 31 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 61 F
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time12:59
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data