Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ATL92LA173

CENTRE, AL, USA

Aircraft #1

N4845Q

CESSNA A188B

Analysis

THE AG PILOT HAD BEEN SPRAYING COTTON FIELDS FOR ABOUT AN HOUR, AND WAS PERFORMING ANOTHER PASS. HE REPORTED 'ROLLING AND TURBULENT' WINDS NEAR THE TREE LINES. AS HE PULLED THE STICK AFT TO ARREST THE SINK RATE, THE AIRCRAFT CONTINUED TO DESCEND. THE LANDING GEAR BOGGED DOWN IN THE COTTON AND THE AIRCRAFT CONTACTED THE GROUND, RESULTING IN STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE AIRFRAME. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT JUST PRIOR TO THE COLLISION, HE LOST ABOUT 20 KNOTS OF AIRSPEED DUE TO WIND SHEAR.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR EXISTING WIND CONDITIONS, WHICH RESULTED IN HIS INABILITY TO MAINTAIN A PROPER ALTITUDE. FACTORS WERE THE TURBULENCE AND WIND SHEAR PRESENT AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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