Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the ground due to his distraction with programming a global positioning system receiver.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was conducting an aerial application flight; he had just completed an application and was proceeding to another nearby field. He diverted his attention to reprogram the cockpit global positioning system (GPS) receiver and failed to retrim the airplane with nose-up trim. While the pilot was reprogramming the GPS receiver, the airplane entered a shallow descent and impacted the top of a small hill.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12CA026 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 2, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kahlotus, Washington
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Ayres Corporation S2R-600
- N-number
- N1206S
- 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.