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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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NTSB Report

August 6, 1995 · Cessna A188B · N4866R

Fort Necessity, LA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 6, 1995
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Fort Necessity, LA
Aircraft
Cessna A188B
Tail Number
N4866R
Operator
James Lachney Flying Service
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW95LA332

THE AIRPLANE WAS BEING USED IN AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT TO SPRAY COTTON. DURING DESCENT FROM A TURN-AROUND MANEUVER, THE RIGHT WING OF THE AIRPLANE STRUCK THE GROUND AND SEPARATED FROM THE AIRFRAME. WITNESSES REPORTED THUNDERSTORMS IN THE AREA WITH WINDS GUSTING FROM 15 TO 30 KNOTS. NATIONAL WEATHER SURFACE RADAR SUMMARY REPORTS INDICATED RAINSHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE DID NOT DISCLOSE ANY MAINTENANCE ANOMALIES.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN TERRAIN CLEARANCE. A FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE GUSTY WIND CONDITIONS.

Full Narrative

On August 6, 1995, at 1345 central daylight time, a Cessna A188B, N4866R, collided with the terrain while maneuvering near Fort Necessity, Louisiana. The commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was being operated under Title 14 CFR Part 137 by James Lachney Flying Service of Gilbert, Louisiana. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed with thunderstorms moving into the area. A flight plan was not filed for the local aerial application flight. During interviews, conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, a witness and the operator reported the following information. The flight departed the operator's private airstrip for the purpose of spraying a cotton field with Guthion. During the descent from a turn to reverse direction maneuver, the right wing of the airplane struck the ground and the wing separated from the airframe. After traveling about 50 yards in the 5 feet high cotton rows, the airplane "cartwheeled" and the engine separated from the airplane. Subsequently, the fuselage came to rest inverted with the empennage and left wing folded over the fuselage. The integrity of the fuel tanks and hopper was compromised. Witnesses reported thunderstorms in the area with winds gusting from 15 to 30 knots. The FAA inspector and the airplane manufacturer's representative examined the site and reported that portions of the right wing tip were found in the initial ground scars. See the enclosed distribution diagram (Cessna) for additional details. Flight control continuity was confirmed. The examination of the airframe and engine did not disclose any maintenance anomalies. The Wisner-Gilbert Airport, at Gilbert, Louisiana, is located approximately 5 miles east of the site. According to the airplane manufacturer representative, airport personnel, reported "gusty winds and convective activity prevailed throughout the area at the time of the mishap." The enclosed weather data from the National Weather Service at Shreveport, Louisiana, revealed the following radar summary. At 1235, northeastern Louisiana contained areas of rainshowers with thunderstorms moving from the east. By 1435, the northeast Louisiana area was depicted with thunderstorms throughout the area. The autopsy was performed by Steven T. Hayne, M. D., F.C.A.P. of Brandon, Mississippi for the Mississippi State Medical Examiner. Toxicology findings were negative.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:45 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A188B
Tail NumberN4866R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorJames Lachney Flying Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-D · Reciprocating · 300
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 35 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind15 kt, gusting 30 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data