Pilot Debrief

CESSNA A188B near Middleton, TN — 2014-08-27

Final reportERA14LA409
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Date
2014-08-27
Location
Middleton, TN, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA A188B
Registration
N5850G
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to see and avoid power lines during a low-level aerial application operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was applying chemicals to a soybean field when the airplane struck power lines about 20 ft above the ground. The outboard half of the right wing was severed from the impact with the wires, and the airplane crashed north of the power lines. Data from a handheld GPS recovered at the accident site revealed that the airplane was in level flight, at low altitude, and on a northerly heading when it impacted the wires. Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of a preexisting anomaly or malfunction. The propeller blades exhibited signatures consistent with power at the time of impact, and several tree limbs were found along the debris field with smooth, 45-degree cuts. Toxicology testing on the pilot revealed that he was taking medications for hypertension and edema. The pilot had not reported these conditions to the Federal Aviation Administration; however, the autopsy report revealed no evidence of a heart attack or any other incapacitating event.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided power lines during aerial application.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 12 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents12

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