# NTSB MKC87DCQ02: Cessna 188, N5609J, Harper, KS, May 7, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: May 7, 1987, 06:30 local (11:30 UTC)
- Place: Harper, KS
- Coordinates: 37.280429, -98.020111 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.2804&lon=-98.0201&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report May 27, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34262
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC87DCQ02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34262/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC87DCQ02

## 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 (contributing factor)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - crop

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS PREPARING TO SPRAY A WHEATFIELD. DURING THE SECOND 1/3 OF PROCEDURAL TURNAROUND, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK POWERLINES, THEN THE GROUND. THE AIRCRAFT WAS DESTROYED BY POST-IMPACT FIRE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5609J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5609J-1994-02-14), registration cancelled 1994-02-14, S/N 1880559 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 188
- Registry model: [Cessna 188](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-188) (registry code 2073002) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 188-559
- Engines: Continental O-470-R 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Midwest Ag.,Inc.
- Registered owner: Lynn E. Bebermeyer
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: 8K2, HARPER, KS
- Airport: 8K2, Harper Municipal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 1,605 total, 950 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dawn
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: 1

## 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 19870507014029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870507014029A), May 7, 1987: Cessna 188CESSNA, Harper, KS, Destroyed. The aircraft struck powerlines and was destroyed during aerial spraying operations.

## Other investigations on N5609J (2)

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.

- [NTSB MKC76FCJ07](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC76FCJ07), Jul 29, 1975: Cessna 188 (N5609J), Auburn, NE, substantial damage
- [NTSB FTW73FPG23](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW73FPG23), Sep 18, 1972: Cessna 188 (N5609J), Scott, AR, substantial damage

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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