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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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August 20, 2008 · Cessna A188B · N53243

Camanche, IA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 20, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Camanche, IA
Aircraft
Cessna A188B
Tail Number
N53243
Operator
Harksen Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI08CA260

The pilot stated that during the takeoff run the airplane became airborne when it contacted a "hump" in the grass airstrip. He stated he attempted to keep the airplane airborne, but it settled back onto the airstrip where it contacted a "washed-out" rut that crossed through the middle of the airstrip. This resulted in the right landing gear being sheared off the airplane and the left landing gear collapsing rearward. The internal airframe structure was damaged at the gear attach points. The pilot stated he was aware of the condition of the airstrip prior to the takeoff.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot took off on an unsuitable airstrip which resulted in the airplane becoming prematurely airborne with inadequate airspeed after it contacted a rise in the terrain.

Full Narrative

On August 20, 2008, at 1300 central daylight time, a Cessna A188B, N53243, collided with a ditch during takeoff from a private airstrip in Camanche, Iowa. The commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane received substantial damage. The aerial application flight was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that during the takeoff run the airplane became airborne when it contacted a "hump" in the grass airstrip. He stated he attempted to keep the airplane airborne, but it settled back onto the airstrip where it contacted a "washed-out" rut that crossed through the middle of the airstrip. This resulted in the right landing gear being sheared off the airplane and the left landing gear collapsing rearward. The internal airframe structure was damaged at the gear attach points. The pilot stated he was aware of the condition of the airstrip prior to the takeoff.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A188B
Tail NumberN53243
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHarksen Flying Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · R-IO-520 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 65 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 7 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time12:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data