Ayres S2R-T15 N4015P

Summary

On 17 August 2008 at about 18:05 local time, a Ayres S2R-T15 registered N4015P, operated by Cochran Flying Service, was involved in an accident near Morton, Mississippi, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

17 August 2008 at 18:05

Classification

Accident

Location

Morton, Mississippi, United States

Coordinates

32.4481, -89.7011

Aircraft

Ayres S2R-T15

Registration

N4015P

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Cochran Flying Service

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Canton → Canton

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

MIA08LA167

1 person died.

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during low altitude maneuvering.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The airplane departed for a scheduled agriculture application from a private airstrip after uploading fuel and pesticide. Authorities were notified once the airplane did not return and it was noted the application was not sprayed on the intended crop. The airplane was located later that evening, approximately a ¼-mile from the intended area of application. The airplane impacted trees on a southerly heading, and several trees and branches were observed cut along the airplane descent path into a wooded area. The airplane separated into several sections during the impact sequence. Examination of the wreckage established flight control continuity, and all separations were from impact forces. All flight controls surfaces and its systems were found at the accident sight. There were no indications of any mechanical discrepancies to any of the engine’s components. Damages to the engine were consistent with the engine at mid to high power range at the time of impact. There were no discrepancies noted that would have prevented normal operation of the propeller. All damage was consistent with impact damage. The propeller was rotating and not feathered, and damages to the blades were consistent with operating at high power at the time of impact. Weather information for the times and area of the accident site revealed no weather conditions existed that would have adverse effect on the pilot and the airplane during the accident flight.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.