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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

October 31, 1996 · Cessna 188B · N731BQ

Ocilla, GA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 31, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Ocilla, GA
Aircraft
Cessna 188B
Tail Number
N731BQ
Operator
Ronald L Harper
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL97LA016

The pilot experienced a complete loss of engine power as he maneuvered for a swath run. The pilot selected a cotton field adjacent to the field that he was spraying for the forced landing. The examination of the airframe and the engine assembly failed to disclose a mechanical problem. No fuel was recovered from the aircraft fuel system; however, the fuel bladder was damaged and a small quantity of fuel was reportedly spilled in the bottom of the wing assembly. According to the Cessna 188B flight manual, two gallons of fuel are unusable in the aircraft fuel system. During a functional check of the engine assembly, the engine started and operated normally.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to adequately preflight and plan the fuel required for the flight.

Full Narrative

On October 31, 1996, at 1150 eastern standard time, a Cessna 188B, N731BQ, collided with the ground during a forced landing attempt near Ocilla, Georgia. The aerial application flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 137 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the commercial rated pilot was not injured. The flight departed a private airstrip in Ocilla, at 1130. According to the pilot, he experienced a complete loss of engine power as he maneuvered for a swath run. The pilot selected a cotton field adjacent to the field that he was spraying, and attempted a forced landing. The airplane sustained substantial damage during the emergency landing. The examination of the airframe and the engine assembly failed to disclose a mechanical problem. No fuel was recovered from the aircraft fuel system; however, the fuel bladder was damaged and a small quantity of fuel was reportedly spilled in the bottom of the wing assembly. According to the Cessna 188B flight manual, two gallons of fuel are unusable in the aircraft fuel system. During a functional check of the engine assembly, the engine started and operated normally.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:50 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 188B
Tail NumberN731BQ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRonald L Harper
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-D · Reciprocating · 280
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind269° @ 6 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data