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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

June 29, 1997 · Cessna A188B · N4485Q

Mcgregor, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 29, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Mcgregor, MN
Aircraft
Cessna A188B
Tail Number
N4485Q
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI97LA192

The pilot reported that on the fourth flight of the day, the airplane did not accelerate (sufficiently) during takeoff. He said he did not have enough runway left to abort, so he lifted off into a shallow climb. The pilot did not perform an emergency hopper dump of the 1200 pounds of herbicide. The airplane struck trees on climb-out. An examination of the engine revealed no mechanical malfunction that would have resulted in a partial power loss. Investigation revealed that the pilot did not possess an Agricultural Operator Certificate in accordance with 14 CFR 137.11. Also, no documentation was found to show that the pilot had received training in aerial operations in accordance with 14 CFR 137.19(e).

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper planning/decision, his failure to abort the takeoff while sufficient runway was remaining, and/or his failure to jettison his load in order to achieve sufficient climb rate to clear trees. His lack of certification and training to perform agriculture operations was a related factor.

Full Narrative

On June 29, 1997, at 1301 central daylight time (cdt), a Cessna A188B, N4485Q, was substantially damaged following a partial loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing in a swamp shortly after takeoff from McGregor Airport, McGregor, Minnesota. The airline transport rated pilot reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was not operating on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight departed McGregor Airport, McGregor, Minnesota, at 1300 cdt. According to the pilot's written statement, it was the fourth flight of the day and during takeoff the airplane did not accelerate. The takeoff was not aborted due to insufficient runway remaining. The pilot lifted off into a shallow climb to facilitate acceleration. The pilot said, "...aircraft performance was not adequate to clear trees on the end of the runway... ." A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector represented the NTSB during the on-scene investigation. The Inspector's visual inspection did not reveal any mechanical problems that would have resulted in a partial power loss. The pilot did not perform an emergency hopper dump of the 1200 pounds of herbicide. During the course of the accident investigation, it was determined that the pilot did not possess an Agricultural Operator Certificate in accordance with 14 CFR 137.11 and that there was no documentation to show that he received training on aerial operations in accordance with 14 CFR 137.19(e). This was the pilot's second similar accident with in the last two weeks.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:01 CDT
Nearest AirportMCGREGOR (1nm W)
Runway15
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A188B
Tail NumberN4485Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-D · Reciprocating · 300
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:14
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data