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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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April 12, 1994 · Cessna 188 · N4856Q

Latta, SC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 12, 1994
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Latta, SC
Aircraft
Cessna 188
Tail Number
N4856Q
Operator
Taylor Flying Service
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL94LA080

THE INITIAL ACCIDENT REPORT STATED THAT DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL THE AIRPLANE SETTLED BACK ON THE 1800 FOOT SOD RUNWAY TWICE AFTER THE PILOT ROTATED FOR LIFTOFF. WHEN THE AIRPLANE BECAME AIRBORNE, A WING STRUCK THE GROUND AND THE AIRPLANE CARTWHEELED. THE AG AIRPLANE, WITH 120 GALLONS OF CHEMICALS STILL ONBOARD, CAME TO REST IN A FIELD ON THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY. DURING A SUBSEQUENT REPORT THE PILOT STATED THAT THE ENGINE LOST POWER SHORTLY AFTER LIFTOFF. HOWEVER, THE EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE FAILED TO DISCLOSE A MECHANICAL PROBLEM WITH THE AIRFRAME OR ENGINE.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN FLYING SPEED AND THE PREMATURE LIFT OFF WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL.

Full Narrative

On April 12, 1994, at 1515 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 188, N4856Q, collided with the ground during takeoff from a private airstrip near Latta, South Carolina. The aerial application flight operated under 14 CFR Part 137 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage; the pilot received minor injuries. The flight departed Latta at 1514 hours. The initial reports of the accident stated that during takeoff roll, when the pilot rotated for liftoff, the airplane settled back on the 1800 foot long sod runway twice. It was further reported that the airplane became airborne, a wing struck the ground and the airplane cartwheeled through a field off the departure end of the runway. According to the Federal Aviation Administration Safety Inspector, the aircraft was loaded with 120 gallons of chemicals and the chemicals remained onboard throughout the sequence of events. A subsequent report from the pilot stated that the engine lost power shortly after liftoff from a private airstrip. As the pilot maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing, he lost control of the airplane and collided with the ground. The subsequent examination of the airplane failed to disclose a mechanical problem. During the functional check of the engine, the engine was started using the aircraft fuel boost pump and installed systems. An engine speed of 1800 rpm was attained with normal acceleration noted (see attached FAA Inspector's Statement). The pilot/operator failed to complete an NTSB Form 6120.1/2 provided by the NTSB.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:15 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 188
Tail NumberN4856Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTaylor Flying Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-D26 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 35 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 7 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data