# NTSB FTW93LA212: Cessna A188B, N4739R, Temple, TX, July 8, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 8, 1993, 18:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Temple, TX
- Coordinates: 31.079948, -97.250289 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.0799&lon=-97.2503&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 26, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18792
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW93LA212
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18792/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW93LA212

## Probable cause

PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER OBJECT/TERRAIN CLEARANCE. FACTORS WERE TAILWINDS AND HIGH DENSITY  ALTITUDE.

## 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 - tree(s)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE OPERATOR AND PILOT REPORTED A TEMPERATURE OF 95 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT WITH THE WINDS FROM THE SOUTHWEST AT 20 KNOTS GUSTING TO 30 KNOTS. THEY FURTHER REPORTED THAT DURING THE LOW TURN AROUND  IN THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE CONDITIONS OF APPROXIMATELY 3,200 FEET, THE AIRPLANE DID NOT SUSTAIN FLIGHT. THE LEFT  WING OF THE AIRPLANE HIT A TREE AND THE AIRPLANE DESCENDED TO THE CORN FIELD. THE OPERATOR REPORTED THAT THE  TURN-AROUND WAS NOT PERFORMED AT SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO ALLOW ADEQUATE CLEARANCE.

## Factual narrative

On July 8, 1993, at 1830 central daylight time, a Cessna A188B, N4739R, was substantially damage near Temple, Texas, during aerial application maneuvering.  The commercial pilot did not sustain injury.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed throughout the area for the aerial application flight.

During telephone interviews, conducted by the investigator in charge, the operator and the pilot stated that the airplane was loaded with 48 gallons of fuel and 80 gallons of chemical.  They  further stated that the temperature for the day was at least 95 degrees Fahrenheit and during a low turn-around in high humidity and high density altitude conditions the airplane did not maintain altitude.  They reported the winds were from the southwest at 20 knots gusting to 30 knots and the turn-around was attempted with a quartering tailwind.  The pilot stated that the left wing hit a tree and the airplane descended into the corn field.  The operator reported (enclosed statement) that the turn- around maneuver was not made high enough.

Numerous attempts were made by the investigator in charge to obtain the Pilot/Operator Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2). This report has not been received.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4739R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4739R-2000-12-27), registration cancelled 2000-12-27, S/N 18802312T (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA A188B
- Registry model: [Cessna A188B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-a188b) (registry code 2073005) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18802312T
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Prater, James B.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 3, 1993
- Departed: TAYLOR, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 19; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 700 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 225° at 20 knots, gusting 30
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 95 °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 19930708023039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930708023039A), Jul 8, 1993: Cessna A188B, Temple, TX, Substantial damage. Hot windy day. Stalled on turn around from spray run. Wing hit tree. Fell into cornfield. Too low on turn around.

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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