# NTSB FTW91LA146: Cessna A188B, N53276, Patterson, LA, August 10, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 9, 1991, 20:00 local (Aug 10, 1991, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Patterson, LA
- Coordinates: 29.689794, -91.299339 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.6898&lon=-91.2993&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23386
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91LA146
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23386/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA146

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE WITH THE ELECTICAL POWER LINE. FACTORS WERE THE BRIGHT SUN AND CHEMICAL RESIDUE ON THE WINDSHIELD.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, cruise
  - window,flight compartment window/windshield - dirty(foggy) (contributing factor)
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,transmission
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering

## Analysis

FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF THE LAST SPRAYING PASS, THE PILOT TURNED WEST TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT. AS HE TURNED INTO THE SETTING SUN, THE GLARE AND CHEMICALS ON THE WINDSHIELD PREVENTED HIS VISUAL CONTACT WITH SOME ELECTRICAL POWER LINES. THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED THE POWER LINES AND DESCENDED UNCONTROLLABLY TO THE GROUND. THE PILOT WAS AWARE OF THE EXISTENCE OF THE POWER LINES IN THE AREA.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N53276 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA A188B
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: T18801731T
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Blanco Aviation, Inc.
- Registered owner: Blanco Aviation, Inc.

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 2,124 total, 1,800 in this make and model, 60 in the last 90 days, 40 in the last 30 days, 12 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 5 knots
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19910810033159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910810033159A), Aug 10, 1991: Cessna A188B, Patterson, LA, Substantial damage. Turned into low sun after spray run. Hit powerline. Crashed out of control. Blinded by sun and dirty windshield.

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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