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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

September 30, 1997 · Cessna A188B · N731RP

Greenwood, MS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 30, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Greenwood, MS
Aircraft
Cessna A188B
Tail Number
N731RP
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MIA97LA252

During the takeoff roll with a rise in the runway that the pilot was previously aware of, the airplane became airborne prematurely. He initiated dumping of the chemical and attempted to climb but the airplane collided with a tree 200 feet past the departure end of the runway. The airplane then impacted the ground and the right main landing gear was sheared off after contacting a ditch. The airplane then became inverted and was destroyed by a post crash fire. The pilot stated to an FAA inspector that he and the owner were planning on repairing the runway and clearing the trees at the end of the spraying season. He further stated that there was no airframe or engine preimpact failure or malfunction.

NTSB Probable Cause

The intentional operation of the airplane from an unsuitable takeoff area by the pilot-in-command and inadvertent rotation of the airplane after encountering rising terrain on the runway.

Full Narrative

On September 30, 1997, about 1330 central daylight time, a Cessna A188B, N731RP, registered to the Dixie Dusters, Inc., was destroyed by a postcrash fire during takeoff from a private grass airstrip located about 3 miles north of the Greenwood-Leflore Airport, Greenwood, Mississippi. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight. The commercial-rated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that he had flown out of the accident airstrip for the past 5 years and was aware of a rough spot on the runway located about 1/2 way down the approximate 2,600-foot runway. During the takeoff roll the airplane began bouncing after encountering the rough spot. The pilot then began dumping the load of chemical and the airplane began to climb, but collided with a small tree at the departure end of the runway. The airplane then yawed to the left and while descending, impacted the ground then came to rest inverted. While exiting the airplane he noted a fire and was pushed away from the airplane by an explosion. The airplane was destroyed by the postcrash fire and the pilot reported that there was no mechanical failure or malfunction. Examination of the runway by an FAA inspector revealed that about 2,000 feet down the runway, a noticeable rise was detected. Also, damage to a tree was noted and impact with the ground was noted about 200 feet from the departure end of the runway. The right main landing gear was observed to be separated after contact with a ditch. The pilot stated to the FAA inspector that he and the owner were planning on correcting the runway and tree problem at the end of the spraying season in the fall.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway18
Runway Length2640 ft
Runway Width45 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A188B
Tail NumberN731RP
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-550 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility6 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data