# NTSB DEN83LA141: Cessna A188, N8181V, Leola, SD, June 16, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 15, 1983, 21:30 local (Jun 16, 1983, 03:30 UTC)
- Place: Leola, SD
- Coordinates: 45.719913, -98.930038 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.7199&lon=-98.9300&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16095
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN83LA141
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16095/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN83LA141

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dusk (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - loose gravel/sandy (contributing factor)
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS USING A GRAVEL ROAD, APRX 20 FT WIDE, FOR AN AERIAL APPLICATION OPERATION. DURING TAKEOFF, THE ACFT SWERVED TO THE RIGHT, WENT INTO THE DITCH BESIDE THE ROAD & WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED. THE PLT BELIEVED THAT THE RIGHT WHEEL HAD BECOME LOCKED. HOWEVER, AN EXAM OF THE WHEELS & BRAKES REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF GRABBING OR OVERHEATING. THE ACFT WAS EQUIPPED WITH SPRAY BOOMS THAT WERE APRX 2 1/1 FEET ABOVE THE BOTTOM OF THE WHEELS. THERE WAS 3 FT TALL GRASS, AS WELL AS DITCHES, BESIDE THE ROAD, THE PLT HAD ATTEMPTED HIS TAKEOFF TO THE NORTH WITH A WIND FROM THE NORTHWEST AT 5, GUSTING 7 KTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N8181V (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA A188
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 188-0431
- Airframe hours: 2950
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Northern Aerial Sprayers
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 23, 1983

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 995 total, 33 in this make and model, 809 as pilot in command, 74 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 300° at 5 knots, gusting 7
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F

## 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 19830615025799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830615025799A), Jun 15, 1983: Cessna A188, Leola, SD, Substantial damage. Ground looped into a ditch on a road takeoff. Blamed brakes. No defects found. Spray rig may have caught high grass

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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