NTSB Factual Report

On June 23, 2001, at 1020 central daylight time, an Ayers Corporation S2R-G1, N3300L, operated by a commercial pilot, sustained substantial damage when it collided with a truck. At the time of the accident, the airplane was backing out of a chemical loading pad at the Mohall Municipal Airport (HBC), Mohall, North Dakota, in preparation for flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The aerial application flight was being conducted under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137 without a flight plan. The pilot reported no injuries. The driver of the truck reported no injuries. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

In his written statement, the pilot said he was using reverse thrust to back away from a loading area onto the ramp to taxi out for take off. The pilot said that a delivery truck pulled in behind him and stopped with his back to him. The airplane's right elevator struck the back of the truck.

A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane at HBC. The empennage was bent forward and twisted. The right elevator was broken. Aft fuselage tubes at the empennage were bent upward. One tube was severed. The fuselage skin on the "turtleback" was wrinkled. Flight control continuity was confirmed. An examination of the engine and other airplane systems revealed no anomalies.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot not maintaining clearance between the airplane and the truck when he backed the airplane off of the loading pad. Factors relating to this accident was the pilot's inadequate visual lookout and the truck.