Summary
On May 23, 2020, a Ayres S 2R (N5573X) was involved in an accident near Artois, CA. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during a go-around.
During a telephone interview, the pilot reported that, as he was landing, the airplane started to drift into nearby power lines. He initiated a go around; however, the left wing caught the power lines. The airplane impacted the ground and tumbled several times before it came to rest inverted. The fuselage was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
In a follow-up written statement, the pilot reported that during the landing on a dirt airstrip, the right-side brake failed due to a ruptured brake line. During the aborted landing, the airplane hit a power pole and wires.
This accident is documented in NTSB report WPR20CA153. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N5573X.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during a go-around.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
During a telephone interview, the pilot reported that, as he was landing, the airplane started to drift into nearby power lines. He initiated a go around; however, the left wing caught the power lines. The airplane impacted the ground and tumbled several times before it came to rest inverted. The fuselage was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
In a follow-up written statement, the pilot reported that during the landing on a dirt airstrip, the right-side brake failed due to a ruptured brake line. During the aborted landing, the airplane hit a power pole and wires.
During the initial interview and report of no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane, the airplane was released to the owner and the brake system was not examined.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR20CA153