Summary
On September 18, 2004, a Aero Commander S2R (N8822Q) was involved in an incident near Firebaugh, CA. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from high tension wires in dark night conditions. The reason for the loss of engine power after the wire collision was not determined.
On September 18, 2004, at 0147 Pacific daylight time, an Aero Commander S2R, N8822Q, collided with high-tension wires while the pilot was performing an aerial application flight in Firebaugh, California. Vance Aircraft Salvage, Inc., was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The local aerial application flight departed a private airstrip at an unknown time. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed.
In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was flying in a southerly direction while applying agriculture spray to the fields below in dark night conditions.
This incident is documented in NTSB report LAX04CA323. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N8822Q.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from high tension wires in dark night conditions. The reason for the loss of engine power after the wire collision was not determined.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On September 18, 2004, at 0147 Pacific daylight time, an Aero Commander S2R, N8822Q, collided with high-tension wires while the pilot was performing an aerial application flight in Firebaugh, California. Vance Aircraft Salvage, Inc., was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The local aerial application flight departed a private airstrip at an unknown time. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed.
In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was flying in a southerly direction while applying agriculture spray to the fields below in dark night conditions. As he was spraying, he maneuvered the airplane underneath the high-tension wires in the area. After finishing a field, he configured the airplane in a climb. He began the climb too early, and the airplane collided with the high-tension wires. While cutting through the wires, he maneuvered the airplane in a right turn, and the engine experienced a loss of power. With the engine producing no power, he made a forced landing in an almond orchard.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. The airplane incurred damage to both wings, the landing gear, booms, and engine.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX04CA323