Probable cause
The failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other airplane while making their final approach for landing.
NTSB analysis
An Ayers S2R crop duster entered a left base for the runway at 500-600 feet, then turned left for a 3/4 mile final. At the same time a Grumman G164B entered a long final for the same runway. Neither aircraft had a VHF radio on board and neither pilot had visually acquired the other airplane. As the Grumman crossed the approach end of the runway for landing, the Ayers impacted it from above and behind. Both airplanes crashed entangled onto the runway.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09LA228 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 6, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Marysville, California
- Nearest airport
- Yuba County (KMYV)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Ayres Corporation S2R-T34
- N-number
- N40208
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
Grumman Acft Eng Cor-Schweizer G-164B
- N-number
- N6617K
- 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.