Probable cause
The pilot did not maintain sufficient airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at a low altitude.
NTSB analysis
The accident occurred during an aerial-application flight as the pilot maneuvered around a tower. The pilot reported that he had the tower in sight as he maneuvered toward the field being sprayed, and during that turn, the airplane began to shudder as if entering an aerodynamic stall. The pilot attempted to recover from the aerodynamic stall by reducing the elevator input, but the airplane continued to descend rapidly and collided with a tower guy-wire. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA236 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 9, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lakin, Kansas
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Ayres Corporation S2R-T15
- N-number
- N64DX
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.