Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from rising terrain while maneuvering.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he took off on the aerial application flight with the intention of spraying a field. The pilot stated that he was 200 feet above the ground as he approached the field when the airplane lost airspeed and altitude as he maneuvered to align his flight path with the spray area. The elevation of the ground increased as the airplane approached the designated field. Midway into the turn, the airplane impacted the ground and the fuselage was deformed. The pilot additionally reported that he did not experience any mechanical malfunction with the operation of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA190 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 9, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cove, Oregon
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Ayres S2R-T34
- N-number
- N114JP
- 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.