# NTSB CHI88DER12: Cessna A188B, N4915Q, Clearbrook, MN, September 14, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: September 14, 1988, 09:00 local (14:00 UTC)
- Place: Clearbrook, MN
- Coordinates: 47.689941, -95.41938 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.6899&lon=-95.4194&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 25, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13896
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI88DER12
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13896/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI88DER12

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - cooling system,cowling - not secured (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

ON INITIAL CLIMB THE RIGHT COWLING DOOR CAME OPEN. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN A CLIMB AND ELECTED TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A HAY FIELD. THE AIRCRAFT ENCOUNTERED UNSUITABLE TERRAIN AND RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE COWLING LATCHING MECHANISM REVEALED NO ANOMALIES. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE DID NOT CHECK THE COWLING DOOR FOR SECURITY PRIOR TO TAKEOFF.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4915Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4915Q-2012-12-18), registration cancelled 2012-12-18, S/N 18802650T, built 1976 (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: 18802650T
- Airframe hours: 2837
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Warren E. Torgenson
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 20, 1988, 225 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 2,500 total, 1,000 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BJ1, 26 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 19880914038569A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880914038569A), Sep 14, 1988: Cessna A188B, Clearbrook, MN, Substantial damage. Right cowl panel opened on takeoff caused drag and loss of lift. Landed off airport. Impact bent the wing spar.

## Other investigations on N4915Q (1)

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.

- [NTSB CHI77FEP42](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI77FEP42), Jul 4, 1977: Cessna 188B (N4915Q), Nekoosa, WI, substantial damage

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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