# NTSB DEN87FA203: Cessna A188B, N231SH, Kalispell, MT, July 31, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 31, 1987, 06:53 local (12:53 UTC)
- Place: Kalispell, MT
- Coordinates: 48.189888, -114.379013 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.1899&lon=-114.3790&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report October 7, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17121
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN87FA203
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17121/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87FA203

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - light condition - sunglare (cause)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

A CESSNA AG WAGON, N731SH, HIT AN ELECTRICAL PWR LINE DURING A CLIMBING TURN WHILE CROP SPRAYING. THE ACFT WAS OBSERVED PLUMMETING TO THE GROUND. THE ACFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED AND THE PLT RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES. THE PLT WAS CLIMBING INTO THE SUN WHICH INTERFERED WITH HIS ABILITY TO SEE THE PWR LINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N231SH (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA A188B
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18803115
- Airframe hours: 1120
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Gary Martin
- Registered owner: Gary J Martin
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, May 1, 1987, 130 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,450 total, 900 in this make and model, 120 in the last 90 days, 40 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Temperature: 54 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FCA, 3 nm away

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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