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NTSB Report

May 23, 2012 · Ayres S2R-R1340 · N30951

Clear Lake, SD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 23, 2012
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Clear Lake, SD
Aircraft
Ayres S2R-R1340
Tail Number
N30951
Operator
Scott Thompson Trustee
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12CA313

The pilot reported that he saw the power lines at the north end of the field as he started the aerial application work. However, he reported that he did not conduct a detailed observation of the lines. The power lines had two lower wires that he did not anticipate, and the arrangement of the lines was different from those he had seen in the area previously. As he approached the north end of the field, he was concentrating on a small group of trees when the airplane impacted the lines. He stated that the two lower wires caught him completely by surprise. The windshield separated as a result of the impact, and he had difficulty seeing because of debris and wind in his eyes. He subsequently elected to dump the application load and execute a precautionary/forced landing to an open field. The pilot reported that there were no anomalies related to the airplane prior to impacting the wires. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and empennage during the landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to perform a detailed observation of the power lines before beginning the aerial application work, which resulted in an inadvertent collision with the two lower wires.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he saw the power lines at the north end of the field as he started the aerial application work. However, he reported that he did not conduct a detailed observation of the lines. The power lines encountered during the accident flight had two lower wires that he did not anticipate. The arrangement of the power lines was different from those he had encountered in the area previously. As he approached the north end of the field, he was concentrating on a small group of trees when the airplane impacted the lines. He stated that the two lower wires caught him completely by surprise. The windshield separated as a result of the impact and he had difficulty seeing because of debris and wind in his eyes. He subsequently elected to dump the application load and execute a precautionary/forced landing to an open field. The pilot reported that there were no anomalies related to the airplane prior to impacting the wires. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and during the landing.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 CDT
Nearest AirportClear Lake Muni (3nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAyres S2R-R1340
Tail NumberN30951
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorScott Thompson Trustee
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsGarret · TPE331-6-252M · Turboprop · 750
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 63 · Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 57
Altimeter29.50 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data