NTSB Factual Report

On June 13, 2000, at 1203 central daylight time, an Ayres S2R-T34 agricultural airplane, N3096Z, was destroyed when it impacted wires and terrain near Helena, Arkansas. The airplane was registered to and operated by Griffin Ag, Inc., of Helena, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The local flight departed a private airstrip near Helena at 1145.

According to the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, the airplane finished spraying a field and was returning to the airstrip to reload. The FAA inspector stated that a witness observed the airplane fly below unmarked power lines, impact the power lines, and then enter a "steep climb...it then appeared to enter a stall, then spin into the ground."

In the enclosed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the operator reported that the commercial pilot accumulated 2,000 total flight hours, of which 450 hours were in the same make and model as the accident airplane.

An autopsy on the pilot was performed at the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory in Little Rock, Arkansas. The medical examiner reported that the pilot died as a result of multiple injuries sustained in an aircraft accident. Toxicology tests for carbon monoxide, cyanide, ethanol, and drugs were negative.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the power lines.