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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 28, 1997 · Cessna 188B · N4864Q

Halstead, KS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 28, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Halstead, KS
Aircraft
Cessna 188B
Tail Number
N4864Q
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI97LA228

The pilot reported that he was making a fourth pass on a field during aerial application when he 'failed to initiate a pull-up in time to clear the powerline.' The right main landing gear struck a wire. The wire cutter located on the right landing gear did not sever the wire. The wire broke in two from the force of the impact with the airplane. The wire on the right side of the airplane broke about 30 feet from the airplane. The wire went underneath the empennage and wrapped itself around the left elevator. The left elevator and horizontal stabilizer were being cut in two until the wire on the left side of the aircraft broke. A 75 foot section of wire trailed the airplane as the pilot continued flying. By applying about 40 pounds of forward stick pressure and not dumping the chemical load, he was able to land at Newton, Kansas. The pilot reported that he was fatigued as a result of working approximately 18 hour days the week prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot failed to maintain adequate clearance from the transmission wires. Factors included the malfunctioning of the wire cutter and pilot fatigue.

Full Narrative

On July 28, 1997, at 1145 central daylight time, a Cessna 188B, N4864Q, operated by Blue Sky Airspray, sustained substantial damage while spraying a field when it hit a powerline. The airline transport pilot was able to maintain control of the aircraft and returned to Newton, Kansas, where he landed the airplane. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial sprayer had departed Newton, Kansas, on a local aerial application flight. The pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that he was making a fourth pass on a field during aerial application and "failed to initiate a pull-up in time to clear the powerline." The right main landing gear struck a wire. The pilot reported that the wire cutter located on the right landing gear did not sever the wire. As the airplane continued forward, the wire broke in two from the force of the impact with the airplane. The wire on the right side of the airplane broke about 30 feet from the airplane. The wire went underneath the empenage and wrapped itself around the left elevator. The left elevator and horizontal stabilizer were being cut in two until the wire on the left side of the aircraft broke. A 75 foot section of wire trailed the airplane as the pilot continued flying. By applying about 40 pounds of forward stick pressure and not dumping the chemical load, he was able to land at Newton, Kansas. The pilot reported that he was fatigued as a result of working approximately 18 hour days the week prior to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 188B
Tail NumberN4864Q
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 34 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 8 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data