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NTSB Report
September 7, 2012 · Ayres S2R-R1340 · N4020A
Brawley, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 7, 2012
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Brawley, CA
Aircraft
Ayres S2R-R1340
Tail Number
N4020A
Operator
Farm Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR12CA403
The pilot reported that he did not notice that the wind shifted while he was reloading product for an agricultural application flight. As a result, he erroneously attempted a downwind takeoff with an outside temperature estimated at 106 degrees Fahrenheit. The pilot said that when the airplane lifted off he was looking directly into the setting sun. He further stated that the sun’s position made it difficult to judge his position on the runway. The airplane impacted a ditch on the west end of the runway and nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported no abnormalities with the airplane before the accident.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's decision to attempt to takeoff in high temperatures with a tailwind. Contributing to the accident was the sun glare.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during an agricultural application flight he had erroneously attempted a downwind takeoff after reloading product with the outside temperature estimated at 106 degrees. The airplane departed from the dirt strip westbound, and the pilot was looking directly into the setting sun. The airplane did not climb and impacted a ditch on the west end of the runway and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported no abnormalities with the aircraft prior to the accident. He stated the wind had shifted while he was reloading and did not notice it until after the accident.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAyres S2R-R1340
Tail NumberN4020A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFarm Aviation
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsP&W · PT 6 · Turboprop
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 66 · Second Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point10 C / 52
Altimeter29.72 inHg
Observation Time01:53
Weather SourceWFAC