Accident Overview
On June 28, 2016, at about 2115 Pacific daylight time, a Rockwell International S-2R, registration N4952X, collided with terrain shortly after takeoff from Brawley Municipal Airport (BWC), Brawley, California. The commercial pilot was not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to the Bank of Utah and operated by Farm Aviation Inc as a 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that after completing the preflight examination, the engine was started, and the tanker was loaded with diluted chemical. The airplane taxied to the west end of the runway for an eastward departure. The takeoff was normal, and the airplane climbed to an altitude of about 100 to 125 ft above ground level. The pilot then reduced engine power to avoid exceeding the maximum rpm. He leveled off, pushed the nose over to gain airspeed, and adjusted the flaps to increase lift. As he increased engine power, the airplane began descending. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot initiated a forced landing, making a right turn to avoid power transfer wires and roads. During the landing, the right wing struck terrain, causing the landing gear to collapse. The airplane slid on its fuselage, spinning to the right, and came to rest facing north. The pilot stated that he did not dump the chemical load during the descent because he did not have time. He reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions but believed the load was too heavy.
Examination
An onsite examination by Federal Aviation Administration representatives found that the right wing was buckled near the tip, and the landing gear was crushed beneath the wings. The fuel system was intact with no leaks. The propeller blades exhibited impact damage consistent with the engine producing power at the time of ground contact. The postaccident examination revealed no preimpact anomalies that would have prevented normal operation.
Weights and Loads
According to the owner, the airplane departed with 350 gallons of chemicals in the hopper. The previous flight, conducted the night before, had no issues. The accident airplane had been refueled before takeoff and carried about 65 gallons of fuel. The aircraft's gross weight is 5,333 lbs; the weight at the time of the accident was 4,700 lbs. Data from the engine monitoring system indicated that the engine was producing power throughout the accident sequence.
Weather Conditions
The nearest weather reporting station, Imperial County Airport (IPL), Imperial, California, about 10 miles southwest of the accident site, reported at 2053: wind from 230° at 8 knots, visibility 10 miles, few clouds at 11,000 ft, temperature 39°C, dew point 12°C, altimeter 29.70 inches of mercury.