Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 188 near Pembina, ND — 2020-07-09

Final reportCEN20LA270
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Date
2020-07-09
Location
Pembina, ND, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 188
Registration
C-GWWE
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control during an aerial spray turnaround in high crosswind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was spraying a field with north-south passes. During a left turn from the south toward the north, the airplane impacted the ground with the left wing down on a southeasterly heading. Due to the pilot’s injuries, he did not recall the accident sequence. Examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Strong westerly wind at the time of the accident likely created a ground track challenge during the turnaround. Based on the airplane’s impact with the left wing down and significant forward groundspeed, the pilot likely either exceeded the critical angle of attack or developed a high sink rate during the turnaround and was not able to regain control prior to ground impact.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to avoid flying in strong winds during the spray operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 10 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents10

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