# NTSB ATL91LA130: Cessna 188, N9072R, Snow Hill, NC, July 20, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 20, 1991, 08:17 local (12:17 UTC)
- Place: Snow Hill, NC
- Coordinates: 35.45066, -77.670074 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.4507&lon=-77.6701&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8434
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL91LA130
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8434/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL91LA130

## Probable cause

INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT BY THE PILOT. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE TREE.

## 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 - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH 50 FOOT TREES ON THE DEPARTURE END OF THE SWATH RUN.  A WITNESS SAW THE AIRPLANE CLIP THE TOP OF THE TREES AND CONTINUE ON THE ORIGINAL HEADING UNTIL IT CRASHED IN THE ADJACENT FIELD.  THE AIRPLANE WAS DESTROYED BY A POST IMPACT FIRE.  NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WERE OBSERVED OR DISCLOSED DURING WRECKAGE EXAMINATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9072R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9072R-1991-12-13), registration cancelled 1991-12-13, S/N 18802098T (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: 188-020981
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D-23 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Creech IV, William H.
- Registered owner: Mc Neil, Robert
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 1990

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,388 total, 530 in this make and model, 1,276 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 13 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ISO, 12 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 19910720028889A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910720028889A), Jul 20, 1991: Cessna A188B, Snow Hill, NC, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Struck trees on pullup from spray run. Crashed and burned. VFR, no mechanical failure.

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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