# NTSB CHI98LA214: Cessna 188B, N9209R, South Haven, MI, June 22, 1998

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 21, 1998, 21:15 local (Jun 22, 1998, 01:15 UTC)
- Place: South Haven, MI
- Coordinates: 42.400749, -86.269676 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.4007&lon=-86.2697&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 15, 2001
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 10928
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI98LA214
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10928/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA214

## Probable cause

the pilot misjudging his distance and not maintaining the proper altitude.  A factor was 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)
  - distance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - uncontrolled
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

While conducting an aerial application maneuver the airplane's spray rig caught in bushes and the pilot was unable to regain control of the airplane prior to it impacting the trees and the terrain.  After the accident an examination of the airplane failed to reveal any pre-accident anomalies which would have contributed to the accident.

## Factual narrative

On June 21, 1998, at 2115 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 188B, N9209R, sustained substantial damage on impact with the terrain while making a swath run near South Haven, Michigan.  The pilot said that the spray rig for dispensing chemicals caught in the bushes and the airplane was pulled into trees and the terrain.  The pilot reported no injuries.  The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions.  No flight plan was on file for the local flight which departed South Haven about 2050.

The pilot said that he got too low and the spray rig caught in the bushes. He said he was unable to regain control of the airplane prior to it impacting with the trees and the terrain.

A post accident examination of the airplane failed to reveal any pre-accident anomalies which may have contributed to the accident.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9209R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9209R-2004-01-21), registration cancelled 2004-01-21, S/N 18802154, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 188B
- Registry model: [Cessna 188B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-188b) (registry code 2073007) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18802154
- Engines: Continental IO-470-S 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Robertson Crop Dusting Svc
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, June 10, 1997
- Departed: 0D1, SOUTH HAVEN, MI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 338 total, 32 in this make and model, 295 as pilot in command, 32 in the last 90 days, 32 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: BIV, 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 19980622014929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980622014929A), Jun 22, 1998: Cessna 188B, South Haven, MI, Substantial damage. (.19)On June 21, 1998, at 2115 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 188B, N9209R, sustained substantial damage on impact with the terrain while making a swath run…

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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