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NTSB Report

July 25, 2015 · Cessna A188B · N731MB

Albertson, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 25, 2015
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Albertson, NC
Aircraft
Cessna A188B (1977)
Tail Number
N731MB
Operator
Aerial Spraying Service
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA15LA281

The pilot departed on the agricultural application flight with full fuel tanks and 105 gallons of spray mixture onboard, which he stated was a lighter load than the previous day. He described the airplane's climb as "shallow," and stated that, as the airplane neared the end of the runway, it began to descend. The left main landing gear impacted a power line and the airplane subsequently descended into terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. A breathalyzer test performed about 45 minutes after the accident revealed that the pilot’s blood alcohol content was 0.07 gm/dL. At the time of the accident, the pilot's blood alcohol content was likely 0.07 to 0.10 gm/dL, which would have been impairing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from wires during takeoff due to his impairment from alcohol use.

Full Narrative

On July 25, 2015, about 0815 eastern daylight time, a Cessna A188B, N731MB, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Albertson, North Carolina. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 agricultural application flight. The pilot stated that he was departing with full fuel tanks and 105 gallons of spray mixture, which was a lighter load than the previous day. A preflight inspection and engine run-up revealed no anomalies, and the pilot initiated the takeoff from the turf runway with the wing flaps extended 10°. The airplane lifted off the runway about 70 mph, and at 85 mph, the pilot established a "shallow" climb. He stated that as the airplane neared the end of the runway, it began to lose altitude. The left main landing gear impacted a power line and the airplane subsequently descended into terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. A law enforcement officer who responded to the accident noticed the smell of alcohol around the pilot and performed a breathalyzer test about 45 minutes after the accident. The result was a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.07 gm/dL. The pilot was subsequently taken to the police station, where breathalyzer tests revealed 0.05 and 0.04 gm/dL about 1 hour, 45 minutes after the accident. Postaccident examination of the engine by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the intake manifold was damaged during the accident sequence. Spark was produced by each magneto, and piston movement was observed on all cylinders when the propeller was rotated by hand.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:15 EDT
Nearest AirportPrivate Strip (1nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A188B
Tail NumberN731MB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAerial Spraying Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental Motors Inc · IO-520 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 4 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 64 F
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time12:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data