# NTSB ATL95LA138: Cessna 188B, N731EM, Allendale, SC, July 18, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 18, 1995, 10:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Allendale, SC
- Coordinates: 32.999118, -81.299163 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.9991&lon=-81.2992&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report February 27, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 3598
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL95LA138
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3598/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL95LA138

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE GUY WIRE.

## 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 - guy wire (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - aerial application

## Analysis

DURING AERIAL APPLICATION OVER A FARMER'S FIELD, THE PILOT WAS FLYING UNDER POWER LINES.  THE AIRPLANE'S LEFT WING STRUCK A GUY WIRE, 12 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND. THE AIRCRAFT THEN COLLIDED WITH TREES AND TERRAIN AT THE END OF THE FIELD.

## Factual narrative

On July 18, 1995, at 1030 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 188B, N731EM was substantially damaged following a collision with electrical lines and the terrain near Allendale, South Carolina. The commercial pilot was fatally injured in the accident. The aircraft was being operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137 by Robert McMillan Jr. of Waynesboro, Georgia. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan had been filed for the local, aerial application flight. The flight departed Allendale, South Carolina at an undetermined time.

The aircraft was flying under power lines at the end of a field during a spray swath. The airplane struck a guy wire 12 feet above the ground, protruding from a utility pole. The airplane's left wing struck the guy wire, causing the aircraft to collide with trees at the end of the field, and impact the terrain.

An autopsy of Mr. Spruce was performed on July 19, 1995 by     Dr. Kim A. Collins, Forensic Pathology Department, Medical University of South Carolina. The autopsy report listed the cause of death as blunt force trauma.

A toxicology examination of Mr. Spruce was performed by Dr. Kim A Collins, Forensic Pathology Department, Medical University of South Carolina. The toxicology report was negative for the use of alcohol or drugs.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N731EM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N731EM-1997-04-02), registration cancelled 1997-04-02, S/N 18802840 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 188B
- Registry model: [Cessna A188B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-a188b) (registry code 2073005) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Airframe hours: 3000
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: R.H. Jr. Mcmillan
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: 88J, SC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 3,399 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: NBC, 25 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 19950718019619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950718019619A), Jul 18, 1995: Cessna A188B, Allendale, SC, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. Struck guy wire flying under powerlines on spray run. Then struck trees.

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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