Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering during an aerial application flight, which resulted in a wire strike.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that prior to conducting an aerial application on a field, he circled the field twice to look for obstacles. As he completed his first aerial application pass, he observed power lines that he did not previously see. Being too close to climb above them, the pilot chose to fly underneath the power lines. The airplane subsequently struck a guy wire and impacted terrain. The fuselage and wings were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR20CA179 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 12, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lenore, Idaho
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Ayres S2R
- N-number
- N40226
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1981
- Damage
- Destroyed
- 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.