Probable cause
The airplane’s inability to climb and subsequent impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot was departing on an agricultural application flight. After climbing to between 100 and 125 ft above ground level, he reduced engine power in order not to exceed red line. Soon after, the airplane stopped climbing and began to descend. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot initiated a forced landing, during which the right wing impacted terrain and the landing gear collapsed.
A postaccident examination revealed no preimpact anomalies with the engine or airplane systems that would have precluded normal operation. A weight and balance calculation determined that the airplane was operating within its weight and balance limitations at the time of the accident. The reason for the airplane's inability to climb could not be determined based on the available information.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR16LA137 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 29, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Brawley, California
- Nearest airport
- Brawley Muni (BWC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Rockwell International S 2R
- N-number
- N4952X
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- 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.