Ayres Corporation S2R-T34 N6018T accident near Yuba City, California

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that during departure for an aerial application flight the gearbox chip detector light illuminated approximately five miles from the runway. The pilot elected to reverse course and return to the airport. The airplane landed with a reported tailwind on runway 34. According to the pilot, during the landing roll the nose of the airplane made a sharp left turn as beta and braking were initiated. The airplane skidded and exited the left side of the runway into a field and impacted a berm. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings. Shortly after the accident the operator stated that the pilot landed with a tailwind. The pilot subsequently reported winds of 300 degrees at 12 knots. The closest weather reporting station is located 7 miles east at Marysville. The reported winds at Marysville at the time of the accident were 140 degrees at 14 knots gusting to 17 knots. The operator also stated that there were no known mechanical failures and that there were parallel and equal skid marks left on the runway by the airplane as it decelerated.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10CA225 for the full record.