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NTSB Report
August 14, 1991 · Cessna A188D · N4820Q
Gothenburg, NE
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 14, 1991
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Gothenburg, NE
Aircraft
Cessna A188D
Tail Number
N4820Q
Operator
Fiese Larry J
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI91DCJ06
THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED THE GROUND AS IT COMPLETED A TURN TO REVERSE DIRECTION AFTER AN AERIAL APPLICATION SWATH RUN. WITNESSES DESCRIBED SEVERAL STEEP, 'AGGRESSIVE' TURNS, AND EXTREME NOSE HIGH PITCH ATTITUDES DURING THE FLIGHT PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THEY REPORTED THE PILOT WAS 'DOING HAMMERHEADS WHILE SPRAYING...' AND 'FLYING LIKE A STUNT PILOT.' GROUND FLAGMEN ASSISTING WITH THE AERIAL APPLICATION WERE IN RADIO COMMUNICATION WITH THE PILOT. THE PILOT TOLD THEM THE AIRPLANE STALLED DURING THE PREVIOUS TURN.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S ABRUPT HANDLING OF THE AIRPLANE.
Full Narrative
THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED THE GROUND AS IT COMPLETED A TURN TO REVERSE DIRECTION AFTER AN AERIAL APPLICATION SWATH RUN. WITNESSES DESCRIBED SEVERAL STEEP, 'AGGRESSIVE' TURNS, AND EXTREME NOSE HIGH PITCH ATTITUDES DURING THE FLIGHT PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THEY REPORTED THE PILOT WAS 'DOING HAMMERHEADS WHILE SPRAYING...' AND 'FLYING LIKE A STUNT PILOT.' GROUND FLAGMEN ASSISTING WITH THE AERIAL APPLICATION WERE IN RADIO COMMUNICATION WITH THE PILOT. THE PILOT TOLD THEM THE AIRPLANE STALLED DURING THE PREVIOUS TURN.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:50 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna A188D
Tail NumberN4820Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFiese Larry J
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · I0-520D · Reciprocating · 300
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time00:50
Weather SourceWFAC