# NTSB ATL92LA104: Cessna 188, N5519S, Elba, AL, May 20, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 20, 1992, 15:05 local (20:05 UTC)
- Place: Elba, AL
- Coordinates: 31.409471, -86.070564 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.4095&lon=-86.0706&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report March 24, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8604
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL92LA104
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8604/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL92LA104

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM OBJECTS (TREES), AND HIS INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT. A FACTOR WAS THE TREES LOCATED IN THE PRACTICE AREA.

## 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)
  - low pass - attempted, pilot in command
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS PRACTICING FOR AN UPCOMING AGRICULTURAL APPLICATION CERTIFICATION, AND WAS SPRAYING WATER. A WITNESS REPORTED THAT ON THE PILOT'S FIFTH PASS OF A FIELD, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A TREE. THE AIRPLANE THEN CLIMBED ABOUT 300 FEET, AND 'NOSE DIVED' INTO THE GROUND. AN EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF A MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5519S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5519S-2013-04-22), registration cancelled 2013-04-22, S/N 188-0019, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 188
- Registry model: [Cessna 188](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-188) (registry code 2073002) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1880019
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-R 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Elba Aviation, Inc.
- Registered owner: Elba Aviation, Inc.
- Last inspection: 100 hour, March 23, 1993
- Departed: 14J, ELBA, AL
- Destination: 14J

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 3,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 100° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TOI, 28 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 19920520015489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920520015489A), May 20, 1992: Cessna 188CESSNA, Elba, AL, Destroyed, 1 fatal. During a water spraying ag training flight struck trees on pullup. Nosed up stalled crashed and burned.

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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