# NTSB ATL89DKJ08: Cessna A188B, N21612, Atmore, AL, July 26, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: July 26, 1989, 07:30 local (12:30 UTC)
- Place: Atmore, AL
- Coordinates: 31.02065, -87.490036 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.0206&lon=-87.4900&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report June 25, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7838
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL89DKJ08
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7838/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89DKJ08

## Probable cause

PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN VISUAL LOOKOUT FOR OBSTACLES. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LOW (DAWN) POSITION OF THE SUN WHICH INTERFERED WITH THE PILOT'S VISION.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - object - wire,transmission
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dawn (contributing factor)
  - visual/aural detection, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD JUST COMPLETED AN AERIAL APPLICATION AND WAS IN THE PROCESS OF SPRAYING THE EDGES OF THE FIELD. HE MADE A TURN INTO THE SUN, WAS MOMENTARILY BLINDED AND DID NOT SEE THE POWERLINES UNTIL IT WAS TOO LATE TO TAKE CORRECTIVE ACTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N21612](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N21612-1992-05-18), registration cancelled 1992-05-18, S/N 18800906 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA A188B
- Registry model: [Cessna A188B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-a188b) (registry code 2073005) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18800906
- Airframe hours: 3000
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: South Alabama Aviation, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: SAA, MCCULLOUGH, AL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 2,500 total, 1,000 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dawn
- Wind: calm
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19890726025359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890726025359A), Jul 26, 1989: Cessna A188B, Atmore, AL, Substantial damage. Blinded by sun on a turnaround. Flew into powerlines.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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