# NTSB DEN87LA193: Cessna T188C, N2037J, Pisek, ND, July 25, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 24, 1987, 20:30 local (Jul 25, 1987, 01:30 UTC)
- Place: Pisek, ND
- Coordinates: 48.409244, -97.399665 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.4092&lon=-97.3997&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report July 5, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17278
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN87LA193
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17278/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87LA193

## 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 - wire,transmission
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command
  - remedial action - attempted, pilot in command
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS PREPARING TO SPRAY A POTATO FIELD WITH A MIXTURE OF WATER AND 2 LBS OF 'BLIGHT-OUT.' HE MADE ONE OBSERVATION PASS OVER THE FIELD TO CHECK FOR OBSTRUCTIONS AND NOTICED TWO SETS OF POWER LINES, ONE ON THE EAST SIDE OF A ROAD AND THE OTHER ON THE WEST SIDE. THE PLT STARTED HIS SPRAY PASS TO THE EAST. HE SAID HE 'FIXATED' ON TOP OF THE POWER LINE POLE TO ESTABLISH THE HEIGHT OF THE WIRES. AS HE PULLED UP FOR THE POLE, HE REALIZED HE WAS ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE WEST WIRES BLENDED IN WITH THE WIRES ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE ROAD. BECAUSE HE HAD VERY LITTLE ALTITUDE, THE PLT DECIDED TO FLY UNDERNEATH THE POWER LINES. THE PLT SAID HE COLLIDED WITH THE POWER LINES AND CRASHED, FLIPPED INVERTED, AND SKIDDED TO A HALT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2037J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2037J-1989-02-09), registration cancelled 1989-02-09, S/N T18803342T (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA T188C
- Registry model: [Cessna T188C](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-t188c) (registry code 2073012) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: T18803312T
- Airframe hours: 2942
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520 310 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Dakota Aviation
- Registered owner: Dakota Aviation Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 30, 1987
- Departed: GAF, GRAFTON, ND

## 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: front; flight hours: 1,268 total, 900 in this make and model, 1,184 as pilot in command, 330 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GFK, 27 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 19870724037859A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870724037859A), Jul 24, 1987: Cessna T188C, Pisek, ND, Destroyed. Struck powerlines during dusk spray operation. Aircraft impacted ground.

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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