Probable cause
The loss of oil pressure for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was conducting an aerial application flight when he noticed a loss of available engine power. As he continued, he noticed a rapid increase in oil temperature and decrease in oil pressure and he could not sustain altitude. The pilot force-landed the airplane in a field. During the landing sequence, the engine separated from the airframe and the right wing was crushed. Post accident examination of the engine showed that it sustained internal thermal damage. No anomalies were noted with the oil system and the reason for the loss of oil pressure was not determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for SEA08LA133 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 11, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Holtville, California
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Thrush Aircraft, Inc. S-2R
- N-number
- N8860Q
- 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.