Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a cable during spray operations.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while spraying a pasture at low altitude, the airplane struck a zipline cable, which resulted in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation and that he needed to be more alert to obstacles.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA303 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 27, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ulysses, Kansas
- Nearest airport
- Ulysses Airport (ULS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Ayres Corporation S2R-G6
- N-number
- N4182G
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2000
- 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.