FTW95LA332

The airplane was being used in an aerial application flight to spray cotton. During descent from a turn-around maneuver, the right wing of the airplane struck the ground and separated from the airframe. Witnesses reported thunderstorms in the area with winds gusting from 15 to 30 knots. National weather surface radar summary reports indicated rainshowers and thunderstorms. Examination of the airplane did not disclose any maintenance anomalies.

On August 6, 1995, at 1345 central daylight time, a Cessna A188B, N4866R, collided with the terrain while maneuvering near Fort Necessity, Louisiana. The commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was being operated under Title 14 CFR Part 137 by James Lachney Flying Service of Gilbert, Louisiana. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed with thunderstorms moving into the area. A flight plan was not filed for the local aerial application flight.

During interviews, conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, a witness and the operator reported the following information. The flight departed the operator's private airstrip for the purpose of spraying a cotton field with Guthion. During the descent from a turn to reverse direction maneuver, the right wing of the airplane struck the ground and the wing separated from the airframe. After traveling about 50 yards in the 5 feet high cotton rows, the airplane "cartwheeled" and the engine separated from the airplane. Subsequently, the fuselage came to rest inverted with the empennage and left wing folded over the fuselage. The integrity of the fuel tanks and hopper was compromised. Witnesses reported thunderstorms in the area with winds gusting from 15 to 30 knots.

The FAA inspector and the airplane manufacturer's representative examined the site and reported that portions of the right wing tip were found in the initial ground scars. See the enclosed distribution diagram (Cessna) for additional details. Flight control continuity was confirmed. The examination of the airframe and engine did not disclose any maintenance anomalies.

The Wisner-Gilbert Airport, at Gilbert, Louisiana, is located approximately 5 miles east of the site. According to the airplane manufacturer representative, airport personnel, reported "gusty winds and convective activity prevailed throughout the area at the time of the mishap."

The enclosed weather data from the National Weather Service at Shreveport, Louisiana, revealed the following radar summary. At 1235, northeastern Louisiana contained areas of rainshowers with thunderstorms moving from the east. By 1435, the northeast Louisiana area was depicted with thunderstorms throughout the area.

The autopsy was performed by Steven T. Hayne, M. D., F.C.A.P. of Brandon, Mississippi for the Mississippi State Medical Examiner. Toxicology findings were negative.