# NTSB CEN17LA303: Cessna A188B, N3047J, Marshall, MO, August 4, 2017 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 4, 2017, 09:00 local (14:00 UTC) - Place: Marshall, MO - Coordinates: 39.095554, -93.202774 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0956&lon=-93.2028&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report March 14, 2018 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA Flight Standards - NTSB case key (mKey): 95756 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN17LA303 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/95756/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=95756 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA303 ## Probable cause The pilot's inability to accurately monitor the airplane's airspeed after takeoff due to an inoperative airspeed indicator, which resulted in the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and the subsequent aerodynamic stall/mush and degraded climb performance. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna A188B, 14 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=2073005), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: angle of attack](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Capability exceeded (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna A188B, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/cases.md?model=2073005), [All aircraft, 990 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: airspeed](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna A188B, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md?model=2073005), [All aircraft, 1,681 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: climb rate](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062035): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna A188B, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062035/cases.md?model=2073005), [All aircraft, 265 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062035/cases.md) - [Indicating/recording systems: instrument panel ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023110): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Inoperative (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna A188B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023110/cases.md?model=2073005), [All aircraft, 22 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023110/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: fence/fence post](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022047): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Cessna A188B, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022047/cases.md?model=2073005), [All aircraft, 313 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022047/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Miscellaneous/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900); cases with it: [Cessna A188B, 8 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md?model=2073005), [All aircraft, 1,556 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna A188B, 7 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=2073005), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Cessna A188B, 14 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=2073005), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/120); cases with it: [Cessna A188B, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/120/sequence.md?model=2073005), [All aircraft, 1,074 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/120/sequence.md) ## Analysis After takeoff for the agricultural application flight and when the commercial pilot reduced engine power to climb, the engine "surged." He increased the throttle, but the engine "surged" again. He subsequently applied full throttle, but he was unable to maintain a positive climb rate. The airplane gradually settled into a bean field off the end of the runway. The airplane impacted a fence before coming to rest in an adjacent field. The pilot stated that the airplane seemed to be "sagging" after takeoff but that the engine instrument indications appeared to be normal. Postaccident engine examination did not reveal evidence of any preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the engine surging reported by the pilot could not be determined. According to the pilot, the airspeed indicator was inoperative at the time of the accident. It is likely that the pilot's inability to monitor the airspeed due to the lack of an operative airspeed indicator led to the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and the subsequent aerodynamic stall/mush and degraded climb performance. ## Factual narrative ***This report was modified on March 8, 2018. Please see the docket for this accident to view the original report.*** On August 4, 2017, about 0900 central daylight time, a Cessna A188B airplane, N3047J, was substantially damaged when it settled into a bean field after takeoff from runway 18 (5,006 feet by 75 feet, concrete) at the Marshall Memorial Municipal Airport (MHL), Marshall, Missouri. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by private individuals as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight was not operated on a flight plan. The local aerial application flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that the airplane was loaded with about 120 gallons of fertilizer and 54 gallons of fuel at the time of the accident takeoff. The pretakeoff run-up was normal. After takeoff, he reduced engine power for climb. When he did so, the engine "surged." He responded by increasing the throttle "a little," but the engine "surged" again. He subsequently applied full throttle, but was unable to maintain a positive rate of climb. The airplane settled into a bean field and encountered a fence before coming to rest in the adjoining corn field. The pilot informed a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that the airplane seemed to be "sagging" after takeoff. The engine indications appeared to be normal before the accident. The airplane had a full load of fertilizer and fuel at the time of the accident takeoff. The pilot also informed the inspector that the airspeed indicator had been inoperative for some time. A postaccident engine examination conducted by FAA inspectors did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact loss of engine power. The wing flaps were positioned at 20 degrees deflection at the time of the exam. The airplane flight manual noted that the recommended takeoff wing flap setting for restricted category airplanes was 10 degrees. The approved takeoff range for normal category airplanes was 0 to 20 degrees. The information manual indicated that optimum takeoff performance at heavy weights is obtained using 10 degrees wing flaps. FAA regulations (14 CFR 91.205) require an operational airspeed indicator for civil aircraft operating under a standard airworthiness certificate. The accident airplane was operating under a restricted category airworthiness certificate and was not required to comply with that regulation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N3047J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3047J), registered now, S/N 18803596T, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA A188B - Registry model: [Cessna A188B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-a188b) (registry code 2073005) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18803596T - Year built: 1979 - Airframe hours: 7845.1 - Engines: Lycoming IO-540-S1A5 300 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, May 23, 2017 - Departed: MHL, Marshall, MO - Destination: MHL, Marshall, MO - Airport: MHL, Marshall Memorial Muni, runway 18, 5,006 × 75 ft, concrete ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 22; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review April 7, 2017; seat: single; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 475 total, 210 in this make and model, 210 in the last 90 days, 99 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 300° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 52 °F - Altimeter: 30.17 inHg - Observed at: MHL, 1 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 20170804012829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20170804012829A), Aug 4, 2017: Cessna A188B, Marshall, MO, Substantial damage. Pilot reported loss of engine power on climbout from rwy 18 at kmhl, resulting in a forced landing in an adjacent cornfield. The pilot was conducting an… ## Docket (14 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on December 13, 2017, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=95756. 19.6 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 3.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40458791&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Pilot's Statement (item 2, .PDF, 139 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40458792&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%27s%20Statement-Master.PDF - Conversation Summary -- Pilot (item 3, .PDF, 90 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40458793&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Conversation%20Summary%20--%20Pilot-Master.PDF - FAA Inspector Statement (item 4, .PDF, 92 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40458794&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Inspector%20Statement-Master.PDF - Coversation Summary -- Owner/Operator (item 5, .PDF, 88 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40458795&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Coversation%20Summary%20--%20Owner%2FOperator-Master.PDF - Maintenance Records -- Airframe/Engine Logs (item 6, .PDF, 10.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40458796&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Maintenance%20Records%20--%20Airframe%2FEngine%20Logs-Master.PDF - Maintenance Records -- Airframe/Engine Alteration (item 7, .PDF, 493 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40458797&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Maintenance%20Records%20--%20Airframe%2FEngine%20Alteration-Master.PDF - Density Altitude Calculation (item 8, .PDF, 1.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40458798&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Density%20Altitude%20Calculation-Master.PDF - Airplane Flight Manual -- Cessna A188B (Excerpts) (item 9, .PDF, 2.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40458799&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Airplane%20Flight%20Manual%20--%20Cessna%20A188B%20(Excerpts)-Master.PDF - Airplane Information Manual -- Cessna A188B (Excerpts) (item 10, .PDF, 1.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40458800&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Airplane%20Information%20Manual%20--%20Cessna%20A188B%20(Excerpts)-Master.PDF - FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet -- Continental IO-520-D (item 11, .PDF, 33 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40458801&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Type%20Certificate%20Data%20Sheet%20--%20Continental%20IO-520-D-Master.PDF - FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet -- Lycoming IO-540-S1A5 (item 12, .PDF, 636 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40458802&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Type%20Certificate%20Data%20Sheet%20--%20Lycoming%20IO-540-S1A5-Master.PDF - Federal Aviation Regulation -- 14 CFR 91.205 (item 13, .PDF, 133 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40458803&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Federal%20Aviation%20Regulation%20--%2014%20CFR%2091.205-Master.PDF - Surface Weather Observations -- KMHL (item 14, .PDF, 45 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40458804&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Surface%20Weather%20Observations%20--%20KMHL-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.