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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 19, 2014 · Rockwell International S 2R Undesignat · N9646A

Kerkhoven, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 19, 2014
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Kerkhoven, MN
Aircraft
Rockwell International S 2R Undesignat
Tail Number
N9646A
Operator
Benson Air Ag
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN14CA442

The pilot stated he flew over the field to identify obstructions prior to beginning the spray passes. He noted a hog farm and powerline wires on the southwest side of the field so he decided to spray the field in a north/south pattern. The pilot began spraying on the east side of the field, and during the second pass, the airplane contacted a guide wire that extended from the row of powerlines, which paralleled his flight path. The pilot stated he did not see the guide wire while looking for obstructions. Upon hitting the wire, the engine lost power and the propeller appeared to feather. The pilot tried to gain altitude and was able to dump the remaining chemical load prior to the airplane impacting a corn field about ¾ of a mile from where it contacted the wire. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported there was no mechanical failure/malfunction of the airplane prior to contacting the wire.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Wire-Effect on equipment

Full Narrative

The pilot stated he flew over the field to identify obstructions prior to beginning the spray passes. He noted a hog farm and powerline wires on the southwest side of the field so he decided to spray the field in a north/south pattern. The pilot began spraying on the east side of the field, and during the second pass, the airplane contacted a guide wire that extended from the row of powerlines, which paralleled his flight path. The pilot stated he did not see the guide wire while looking for obstructions. Upon hitting the wire, the engine lost power and the propeller appeared to feather. The pilot tried to gain altitude and was able to dump the remaining chemical load prior to the airplane impacting a corn field about ¾ of a mile from where it contacted the wire. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported there was no mechanical failure/malfunction of the airplane prior to contacting the wire.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:40 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireUnknown
Aircraft ExplosionUnknown

Aircraft

AircraftRockwell International S 2R Undesignat
Tail NumberN9646A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBenson Air Ag
Operating RulePart 137
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsAllied Signal · TPE331 · Turboprop · 715
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter29.77 inHg
Observation Time22:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data