# NTSB CHI07CA180: Cessna 188B, N4998Q, Wyaconda, MO, June 26, 2007

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: June 26, 2007, 09:56 local (14:56 UTC)
- Place: Wyaconda, MO
- Coordinates: 40.433334, -91.966667
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4333&lon=-91.9667&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 30, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 66244
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI07CA180
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/66244/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07CA180

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the trees.  A factor in the accident was the trees.

## 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)
  - altitude/clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

The agricultural airplane received substantial damage when it impacted trees and was consumed by a post-crash ground fire.  The pilot stated that he circled the airplane around the corn field twice to check for obstructions.  The pilot then began his spray run by entering the field over the northwest corner heading east.  The pilot stated he was "watching trees on the right, then left" and when he looked forward he "misjudged the distance of the tree line at the end of the field".  The airplane subsequently struck tree tops, and the pilot "could not regain control of the aircraft" before it settled into the trees.  The pilot stated in his accident report that the accident could have been prevented by identifying all obstructions surrounding and within the spray area and using better judgement before entering the area.

## Factual narrative

The agricultural airplane received substantial damage when it impacted trees and was consumed by a post-crash ground fire.  The pilot stated that he circled the airplane around the corn field twice to check for obstructions.  The pilot then began his spray run by entering the field over the northwest corner heading east.  The pilot stated he was "watching trees on the right, then left" and when he looked forward he "misjudged the distance of the tree line at the end of the field".  The airplane subsequently struck tree tops, and the pilot "could not regain control of the aircraft" before it settled into the trees.  The pilot stated in his accident report that the accident could have been prevented by identifying all obstructions surrounding and within the spray area and using better judgement before entering the area.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4998Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4998Q-2007-08-14), registration cancelled 2007-08-14, S/N 18802732T, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 188B
- 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: 18802732T
- Airframe hours: 3793.6
- Engines: Continental IO-520-D26B 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: James F. Wood
- Registered owner: Woods Flying Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 2007
- Departed: unknown, MO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; injuries: minor; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review May 1, 2007; seat: single; flight hours: 622 total, 238 in this make and model, 537 as pilot in command, 69 in the last 90 days, 54 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 30.14 inHg
- Observed at: EOK, 20 nm away

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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