Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot failed to maintain clearance from the corn crop. Additional factors were the inoperative spray pump, the corn crop, and the pilot's diverted attention.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On August 22, 2001, at 0930 central daylight time, a Cessna 188, N91138, sustained substantial damage when it impacted the ground while spraying a field of corn near Almond, Wisconsin. The airplane descended into the corn crop while the pilot's attention was diverted by a mechanical problem with the spray pump. The commercial pilot was not injured. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial spraying flight had departed a private airstrip near Bancroft, Wisconsin, at 0915 on a local aerial application flight. The observed weather at Stevens Point (STE), Wisconsin, reported winds calm, 3 miles visibility, 500 feet broken, and altimeter 29.89. No flight plan was filed.
The pilot reported, "Upon arrival at the field, it became evident my spray pump was inoperative. My attention was diverted for a moment as I was trying to solve the problem, and my wheels got in the crop. I was unable to recover. The terrain was a flat cornfield and the wreckage was all intact in one spot."
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI01LA288