# NTSB SEA91LA179: Cessna 188B, N731YZ, Palouse, WA, July 18, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 18, 1991, 09:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Palouse, WA
- Coordinates: 46.879451, -117.149986 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.8795&lon=-117.1500&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 25, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41489
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA179
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41489/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA179

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER RUNWAY ALIGNMENT.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, THE PILOT OF THE CESSNA 188B, HOOKED THE SPRAY BOOM ON SOME TALL WHEAT WHICH WAS GROWING ALONG THE SIDE OF THE RUNWAY. THE AIRCRAFT VEERED OFF THE SIDE OF THE RUNWAY AND CAME TO A RAPID STOP.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N731YZ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N731YZ-2014-03-18), registration cancelled 2014-03-18, S/N 18803274T, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 188B
- Registry model: [Cessna A188B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-a188b) (registry code 2073005) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18803274T
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D1B 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Dale E. Schoepflin
- Registered owner: Dale E. Schoepflin
- Airport: Unk/Na

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 9,000 total, 5,500 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- 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 19910718027939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910718027939A), Jul 18, 1991: Cessna A188B, Palouse, WA, Substantial damage. Hooked spray boom on tall wheat edge of runway on takeoff. Aircraft veered into wheat and made rapid stop.

## Other investigations on N731YZ (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 SEA04LA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04LA057), Mar 25, 2004: Cessna A188B (N731YZ), Palouse, WA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's decision to takeoff downwind resulting in his inability to achieve a positive climb rate and an in-flight collision with terrain. Factors contributing to the accident included the rising…
- [NTSB SEA84LA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA84LA187), Jul 31, 1984: Cessna A188B (N731YZ), Palouse, WA, 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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