N441Q

On July 30, 1996, at 0735 central daylight time, a Cessna 188B, N441Q, operated by Aerial Sprayers, Inc., sustained substantial damage when it departed the end of the runway during takeoff at the Cimarron Municipal Airport, Cimarron, Kansas. The commercial pilot reported a loss of engine power during the takeoff roll. He reported no injuries. The local, aerial application flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.

In a statement taken by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, the pilot reported that he conducted a runup and initiated a takeoff to the south. Near the end of the takeoff run, he realized that he was "not up to good speed. He believed the power indication was normal." The inspector reported that the pilot did not dump the 165 gallon payload of agricultural chemicals .

In his written statement, the pilot reported the "airplane appeared to be running normally at first, then lost partial power." The airplane "did not get airborne" and impacted a ditch at the end of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the landing gear and wings.

The airplane was examined by an FAA inspector who reported no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction.