Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE ABOVE THE TERRAIN. FACTORS INCLUDE HIS DIVERTED ATTENTION AND ATTEMPTED MANEUVER TO AVOID OBSTRUCTIONS.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On February 23 1995, approximately 1420 Pacific standard time (PST), an Ayres S2R-T34AG, N4021Z, impacted the terrain while maneuvering to avoid power lines near Moses Lake, Washington. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, received serious injuries, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The FAR Part 137 aerial application flight, which had departed the operator's airstrip about 30 minutes earlier, was being operated in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan had been filed, and there was no fire.
The pilot was returning to the airstrip to reload when his attention was distracted by a field which was to be sprayed later. When his attention returned to his flying, he spotted power transmission lines immediately in front of him. He quickly dove the aircraft in order to avoid the wires, but collided with an earthen berm as he passed underneath.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA95LA055