N4856Q

On April 12, 1994, at 1515 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 188, N4856Q, collided with the ground during takeoff from a private airstrip near Latta, South Carolina. The aerial application flight operated under 14 CFR Part 137 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage; the pilot received minor injuries. The flight departed Latta at 1514 hours.

The initial reports of the accident stated that during takeoff roll, when the pilot rotated for liftoff, the airplane settled back on the 1800 foot long sod runway twice. It was further reported that the airplane became airborne, a wing struck the ground and the airplane cartwheeled through a field off the departure end of the runway. According to the Federal Aviation Administration Safety Inspector, the aircraft was loaded with 120 gallons of chemicals and the chemicals remained onboard throughout the sequence of events.

A subsequent report from the pilot stated that the engine lost power shortly after liftoff from a private airstrip. As the pilot maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing, he lost control of the airplane and collided with the ground. The subsequent examination of the airplane failed to disclose a mechanical problem. During the functional check of the engine, the engine was started using the aircraft fuel boost pump and installed systems. An engine speed of 1800 rpm was attained with normal acceleration noted (see attached FAA Inspector's Statement).

The pilot/operator failed to complete an NTSB Form 6120.1/2 provided by the NTSB.