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NTSB Report

October 23, 2014 · Cessna A188B · N731PM

Louisburg, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 23, 2014
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Louisburg, NC
Aircraft
Cessna A188B (1977)
Tail Number
N731PM
Operator
Air Ag
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA15CA027

The pilot stated that after dispersing a load he returned, and landed uneventfully on runway 5, which was the runway in use, reporting that the wind was from the west northwest at approximately 9 knots with gusts to 16 knots. He loaded the ant bait, taxied out, and during the takeoff roll from runway 5, about 600 to 800 feet down the runway, he indicated that he, "really got hit with a gust" estimated to be at 20 knots. When the wind gust occurred the tail wheel had not been raised from the runway yet. He indicated that he lost directional control resulting in a ground loop, and the airplane weather vaned, hit the edge, and bounced then came down with the sideload resulting in damage. He attempted to correct with rudder and brake but he was unable to. He indicated there was nothing wrong with the airplane that caused the accident. A surface observation taken from the accident airport about 5 minutes before the accident indicates the wind was variable from 280 to 340 degrees at 7 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

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

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that after dispersing a load he returned, and landed uneventfully on runway 5, which was the runway in use, reporting that the wind was from the west northwest at approximately 9 knots with gusts to 16 knots. He loaded the ant bait, taxied out, and during the takeoff roll from runway 5, about 600 to 800 feet down the runway, he indicated that he, "really got hit with a gust" estimated to be at 20 knots. When the wind gust occurred the tail wheel had not been raised from the runway yet. He indicated that he lost directional control resulting in a ground loop, and the airplane weather vaned, hit the edge, and bounced then came down with the sideload resulting in damage. He attempted to correct with rudder and brake but he was unable to. He indicated there was nothing wrong with the airplane that caused the accident. A surface observation taken from the accident airport about 5 minutes before the accident indicates the wind was variable from 280 to 340 degrees at 7 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 EDT
Nearest AirportTraingle North Executive Arpt (1nm)
Runway05
Runway Length5498 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A188B
Tail NumberN731PM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAir Ag
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-550 · Reciprocating · 300

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 43 C
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time14:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data