AYRES CORPORATION S2R-R1340

Brawley, CA — September 7, 2012

Event Information

DateSeptember 7, 2012
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberWPR12CA403
Event ID20120906X33200
LocationBrawley, CA
CountryUSA
Coordinates33.06750, -115.40861
Highest InjuryMINR

Aircraft

MakeAYRES CORPORATION
ModelS2R-R1340
CategoryAIR
FAR Part137
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
None0
Total Injured1

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot's decision to attempt to takeoff in high temperatures with a tailwind. Contributing to the accident was the sun glare.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that during an agricultural application flight he had erroneously attempted a downwind takeoff after reloading product with the outside temperature estimated at 106 degrees. The airplane departed from the dirt strip westbound, and the pilot was looking directly into the setting sun. The airplane did not climb and impacted a ditch on the west end of the runway and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported no abnormalities with the aircraft prior to the accident. He stated the wind had shifted while he was reloading and did not notice it until after the accident.

About This NTSB Record

This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

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