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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

July 10, 1996 · Cessna 188 · N9542J

Independence, IA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 10, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Independence, IA
Aircraft
Cessna 188
Tail Number
N9542J
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI96LA232

The pilot reported that after takeoff, the airplane would not gain airspeed or altitude, and never left ground effect. The airplane was loaded with insecticide, and it impacted the terrain approximately two miles north of the airport. Insecticide was found on the ground just prior to the first impact point. After the accident, no abnormalities were noted with the airframe or the engine.

NTSB Probable Cause

the delayed jettison of the dry chemicals by the pilot. The inability of the airplane to climb was a related factor.

Full Narrative

On July 10, 1996, at 0700 central daylight time (cdt), a Cessna 188, N9542J, was substantially damaged when the airplane impacted with terrain approximately two miles north of the Independence Airport, Independence, Iowa. The airplane was loaded with dry insecticide, and insecticide was found on the ground just prior to the first impact point. The commercial rated pilot was uninjured in the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the 14 CFR part 137 flight, and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot reported on NTSB form 6120.1/2 that at takeoff, the airplane had 1,200 pounds of dry chemicals, and 240 pounds of fuel on board. The pilot reported that after takeoff, the airplane would not gain airspeed or altitude, and never left ground effect. The pilot reported that on the previous day the temperatures were higher, and with the same load as the accident flight the airplane operated with no difficulties. After the accident no abnormalities were noted with the airframe or the engine. All engine controls were found attached, and all cylinders had compression when the crankshaft was rotated. The magneto's appeared to operate normally when checked, and when the oil filter was cut open no visible contamination was found. The turbocharger turbine wheel rotated freely after the accident. The air induction system to the engine was compromised. The rudder and elevator controls cables were still attached. The aileron cables were separated from the aileron, and showed signs similar to an overload failure. The airplane's hopper was compromised, and the dry chemicals were not weighed following the accident. The airplane's left wing, landing gear and engine were separated from the fuselage of the airplane, during the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:00 CDT
Nearest AirportIndependence Airport (2nm N)
Runway35
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 188
Tail NumberN9542J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-520-T · Reciprocating · 310
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 26 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 1 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 48
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time12:05
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data