# NTSB CHI89DEM01: Cessna 188A, N5658J, Belding, MI, June 3, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: June 2, 1989, 20:52 local (Jun 3, 1989, 00:52 UTC)
- Place: Belding, MI
- Coordinates: 43.090972, -85.229019 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.0910&lon=-85.2290&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14193
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI89DEM01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14193/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89DEM01

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S POOR PREFLIGHT ASSESSMENT OF THE RUNWAY CONDITION/AIRCRAFT PERFORMANCE CAPABILITIES, AND THE AIRCRAFT'S RESULTANT FAILURE TO ATTAIN FLYING SPEED. SOFT TERRAIN IS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - grass
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - lift-off - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO DEPART FROM A 2,000 FOOT LONG SOD STRIP WITH A LOAD OF MALATHION FOR AGRICULTURAL APPLICATION. HE REPORTED THAT THE AIRCRAFT ENCOUNTERED A SOGGY PORTION OF THE AIRSTRIP AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE TO ROTATION SPEED. THE AIRCRAFT RAN OFF THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY, AND STRUCK A SMALL TREE BEFORE IT IMPACTED A DIRT BANK AND CAME TO A STOP.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5658J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5658J-2018-02-08), registration cancelled 2018-02-08, S/N 18800608, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 188A
- Registry model: [Cessna 188A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-188a) (registry code 2073006) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18800608
- Airframe hours: 2651
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-R 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Studer, Aflred, doing business as Al'S Flying Service
- Registered owner: Studer, Alfred C
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 26, 1989, 5 hours before
- Departed: NONE, BELDING, MI
- Airport: NONE, runway 9, 2,000 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, expired; seat: center

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 170° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GRR, 18 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 19890602014209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890602014209A), Jun 2, 1989: Cessna 188ACESSNA, Belding, MI, Substantial damage. Unable to lift off of soggy wet strip. Ran off end struck a tree and embankment.

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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