# NTSB DEN84LA186: Cessna 188, N9261R, Groton, SD, June 18, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 18, 1984, 10:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Groton, SD
- Coordinates: 45.449611, -98.100296 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.4496&lon=-98.1003&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16406
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN84LA186
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16406/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LA186

## 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
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,transmission
  - vertical stabilizer surface - overload
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT, THE AIRCRAFT PASSED BENEATH TWO POWER LINES. THE TOP OF THE VERTICAL FIN AND COLLISION AVOIDANCE BEACON LIGHT APPARENTLY MADE CONTACT WITH THE FIRST WIRE, AS THEY WERE FOUND SEPARATED NEAR THAT LOCATION. AFTER CONTACT, THE AIRCRAFT WAS OBSERVED TO NOSE OVER AND COLLIDE WITH THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N9261R (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 188
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18802195T
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D23 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Todd R. Ludeke
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 1984

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 14,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19840618024959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840618024959A), Jun 18, 1984: Cessna A188B, Groton, SD, Destroyed. Struck a powerline during ag operations. Near vertical impact demolished the aircraft and caused fatal injuries.

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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