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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

June 24, 2011 · Cessna A188 B · N731ST

Castroville, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 24, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Castroville, TX
Aircraft
Cessna A188 B
Tail Number
N731ST
Operator
Charles a Torkelson
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11CA438

The pilot reported that he was conducting agricutural spraying operations in the airplane when the accident occurred. He stated that it was his first pass when he noticed a center pivot irrigation system ahead. His efforts to avoid hitting the irrigation system were unsuccessful. After striking the irrigation system he noted that he had almost no aileron control. He was able to use full power, full left aileron, and full left rudder to regain partial control and return to the airport for an emergency landing. As the airplane touched down the left main landing gear separated and the airplane came to rest upright resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and flight controls. The pilot reported there were no mechanical anomalies prior to impact with the irrigation system.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-(general)-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The commercial pilot was making his first spraying pass of the day when the agricultural airplane struck and damaged a center pivot irrigation system. The impact damaged the irrigation system, and the right main landing gear and tail wheel separated from the airplane. The airplane immediately started a descending bank to the right. The pilot reported that the right aileron was jammed in the full up position and control stick movements had no affect on the right aileron. He was able to use full power, full left aileron, and full left rudder to regain partial control and return to the airport for an emergency landing. As the airplane touched down the left main landing gear separated and the airplane came to rest upright with resulting substantial damage to the fuselage and flight controls. The pilot reported there were no mechanical anomalies prior to impact with the irrigation system. He also reported his forward vision was partially obscured by chemical spray on the windshield.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time06:35 CDT
Nearest AirportCastroville Municipal Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A188 B
Tail NumberN731ST
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCharles a Torkelson
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO520 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 62 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 70 F
Altimeter29.86 inHg
Observation Time11:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data