# NTSB ATL91LA105: Cessna 188, N731EP, Sycamore, SC, May 31, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 31, 1991, 17:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Sycamore, SC
- Coordinates: 33.000774, -81.300521 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.0008&lon=-81.3005&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 24, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8415
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL91LA105
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8415/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL91LA105

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO SECURE THE GUST LOCK DURING PRELFLIGHT; THE STRING JAMMED THE FLIGHT CONTROLS AND CREATED AN UNCONTROLLABLE CONDITION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
  - flt control syst,yoke/control stick - jammed (cause)
  - equipment,other - disregarded, pilot in command (cause)
  - control interference - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - aerial application

## Analysis

WHILE SPRAYING MELONS, THE PILOT STARTED A PULL UP FROM A SWATH RUN, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO COMPLETE THE MANEUVER BECAUSE THE FLIGHT CONTROLS WERE JAMMED.  DURING THE ATTEMPT TO FREE THE CONTROLS THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR STRUCK THE GROUND.  ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE FLIGHT CONTROLS JAMMED WHEN A STRING USED AS A GUST LOCK WEDGED INTO THE STICK CONTROL. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND BEFORE THE PILOT COULD RELEASE THE GUST LOCK LINE.  THE STRING WAS NOT PROPERLY SECURED PRIOR TO THE DEPARTURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N731EP](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N731EP-1991-07-25), registration cancelled 1991-07-25, S/N 18802842T (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 188
- Registry model: [Cessna A188B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-a188b) (registry code 2073005) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18802842T
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Collins, Robert C

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 3,078 total, 625 in this make and model, 2,998 as pilot in command, 60 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: CHS, 45 nm away

## 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 19910531019569A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910531019569A), May 31, 1991: Cessna A188B, Sycamore, SC, Substantial damage. Gus lock string wrapped around control stick in flight. Wing hit ground as pilot tried free control. Cartwheeled.

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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