# NTSB FTW85LA246: Cessna A188B, N731AS, Friona, TX, June 4, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 4, 1985, 16:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Friona, TX
- Coordinates: 34.629646, -102.720123 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.6296&lon=-102.7201&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): 21767
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA246
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21767/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA246

## 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
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND GROUND LOOPED OFF THE SIDE OF THE RWY. THE PURPOSE OF THE FLT WAS TO CHECK THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE ACFT'S SPRAY DISPENSING EQUIPMENT. TWENTY GALLONS OF WATER WERE ON BOARD TO BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR CHEMICAL SPRAY. THE PLT STATED HE ALLOWED THE LEFT WING AND SPRAY APPARATUS TO CONTACT HIGH VEGETATION ALONG THE SIDE OF THE RWY DUE TO A LEFT CROSSWIND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N731AS (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA A188B
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18802749T
- Airframe hours: 2052
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Champion Sprayer, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, December 7, 1984, 50 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 1,830 total, 900 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °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 19850604022599A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850604022599A), Jun 4, 1985: Cessna A188B, Friona, TX, Substantial damage. Lost directional control during crosswind takeoff roll. Ground looped off side of runway.

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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