# NTSB FTW91LA145: Cessna T188C, N3493J, Paulina, LA, August 12, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 12, 1991, 13:42 local (18:42 UTC)
- Place: Paulina, LA
- Coordinates: 30.039678, -90.740966 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.0397&lon=-90.7410&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23385
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91LA145
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23385/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA145

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT FOR THE WIRES AND HIS MISJUDGING CLEARANCE WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO FLY UNDER THE WIRES.

## 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
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED HE FLEW HIS FIRST PASS OF THE SWATH RUN FROM THE SOUTH TO THE NORTH AND TURNED FOR HIS SECOND PASS. DURING THE SECOND PASS, THE PILOT SPOTTED WIRES STRUNG ACROSS THE FIELD AT ABOUT THE MID-POINT AND ATTEMPTED TO FLY UNDER THEM. THE WIRES CAUGHT ON THE VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL STABILIZERS. THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE, AND IT IMPACTED IN THE SUGAR CANE FIELD. THE PILOT STATED HE HAD SPRAYED THAT FIELD ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND HE WAS AWARE OF THE WIRES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3493J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3493J-1992-01-13), registration cancelled 1992-01-13, S/N T18803645T (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: T18803645T
- Airframe hours: 3331
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-T1B 310 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Gulf Aire Enterprises, Inc.
- Registered owner: Gulf Aire Enterprises, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, February 7, 1991, 389 hours before
- Departed: NONE, VACHERIE, LA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 7,080 total, 1,100 in this make and model, 7,025 as pilot in command, 393 in the last 90 days, 167 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 225° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 75 °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 19910812033699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910812033699A), Aug 12, 1991: Cessna T188C, Paulina, LA, Destroyed. Tail caught on wires as pilot tried to fly under wires on a spray run. Lost control and impacted the 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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