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NTSB Report
May 31, 1991 · Cessna 188 · N731EP
Sycamore, SC
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 31, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Sycamore, SC
Aircraft
Cessna 188
Tail Number
N731EP
Operator
Collins Robert C
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL91LA105
WHILE SPRAYING MELONS, THE PILOT STARTED A PULL UP FROM A SWATH RUN, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO COMPLETE THE MANEUVER BECAUSE THE FLIGHT CONTROLS WERE JAMMED. DURING THE ATTEMPT TO FREE THE CONTROLS THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR STRUCK THE GROUND. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE FLIGHT CONTROLS JAMMED WHEN A STRING USED AS A GUST LOCK WEDGED INTO THE STICK CONTROL. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND BEFORE THE PILOT COULD RELEASE THE GUST LOCK LINE. THE STRING WAS NOT PROPERLY SECURED PRIOR TO THE DEPARTURE.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO SECURE THE GUST LOCK DURING PRELFLIGHT; THE STRING JAMMED THE FLIGHT CONTROLS AND CREATED AN UNCONTROLLABLE CONDITION.
Full Narrative
WHILE SPRAYING MELONS, THE PILOT STARTED A PULL UP FROM A SWATH RUN, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO COMPLETE THE MANEUVER BECAUSE THE FLIGHT CONTROLS WERE JAMMED. DURING THE ATTEMPT TO FREE THE CONTROLS THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR STRUCK THE GROUND. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE FLIGHT CONTROLS JAMMED WHEN A STRING USED AS A GUST LOCK WEDGED INTO THE STICK CONTROL. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND BEFORE THE PILOT COULD RELEASE THE GUST LOCK LINE. THE STRING WAS NOT PROPERLY SECURED PRIOR TO THE DEPARTURE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 188
Tail NumberN731EP
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCollins Robert C
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520D · Reciprocating · 300
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 38 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:30
Weather SourceWFAC