# NTSB LAX82DVD10: Cessna A188B, N731RG, Lodi, CA, February 23, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: February 23, 1982, 06:00 local (14:00 UTC)
- Place: Lodi, CA
- Coordinates: 38.109123, -121.159164 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.1091&lon=-121.1592&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report February 23, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71464
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX82DVD10
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71464/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82DVD10

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - propeller - inattentive, pilot in command (cause)
  - ignition system,spark plug - leaded (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - wing - ice (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - load jettison - initiated, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE NOTED FROST ON THE WINGS BEFORE TAKEOFF, BUT FELT THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH TO BE CONCERNED. HE INITIATED A TAKEOFF ON A 2500 FT AIRSTRIP WITH A LOAD OF PARAQUAT AND WATER.  THERE WAS A SLIGHT TAILWIND.  HE STATED THAT DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, THE ENGINE DID NOT APPEAR TO BE DEVELOPING FULL POWER.  HE ACTUATED THE DUMP HANDLE TO LIGHTEN THE LOAD, BUT STRUCK A 5 FT BANK NEAR THE END OF THE STRIP.  AN EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT AND ENGINE REVEALED NO PRE-CRASH MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES EXCEPT CONSIDERABLE LEAD DEPOSITS ON THE LOWER SPARK PLUGS.  HOWEVER, THE ENGINE OPERATED NORMALLY DURING A RUN-UP CHECK.  THE PROPELLER CONTROL WAS FOUND POSITIONED LESS THAN HALF WAY FROM THE HIGH PITCH SETTING.  THE PILOT STATED THAT HE EXERCISED THE PROPELLER CONTROL SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE TAKEOFF.  HE INDICATED THAT HE MAY HAVE MISTAKENLY LEFT THE PROPELLER CONTROL IN A HIGH PITCH, LOW RPM POSITION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N731RG](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N731RG-1985-10-16), registration cancelled 1985-10-16, S/N 18803091T (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: 18803091T
- Airframe hours: 1685
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D32 310 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: John F. Gladish
- Registered owner: James L Thomas
- Departed: 0600, LODI, CA
- Destination: 0600, LODI, CA
- Airport: 0600, Thomas Ranch, runway 29, 2,500 × 0 ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 9,000 total, 300 in this make and model, 9,000 as pilot in command, 143 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dawn
- Wind: 180° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Temperature: 88 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SCK

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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