# NTSB WPR15CA173: Cessna T188C, N9987J, Ismay, MT, May 31, 2015

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: May 31, 2015, 13:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Ismay, MT
- Coordinates: 46.5, -104.800003 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.5000&lon=-104.8000&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 27, 2015
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Western Pacific Region
- Parties: FAA FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 91281
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR15CA173
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/91281/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=91281
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15CA173

## Probable cause

The pilot's incorrect action to continue the takeoff when he failed to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna T188C, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=2073012), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md)
- [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna T188C, 8 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=2073012), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md)
- [Action: incorrect action performance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna T188C, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md?model=2073012), [All aircraft, 1,386 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md)
- [Experience/qualifications: total experience w/ equipment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031025): Personnel issues › Experience/knowledge · Pilot; cases with it: [Cessna T188C, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031025/cases.md?model=2073012), [All aircraft, 269 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031025/cases.md)
- [Object/animal/substance: fence/fence post](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022047): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Not specified; cases with it: [Cessna T188C, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022047/cases.md?model=2073012), [All aircraft, 313 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022047/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna T188C, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=2073012), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md)
- [Takeoff: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Cessna T188C, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=2073012), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md)
- [Takeoff: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Cessna T188C, 13 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=2073012), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The pilot reported that he had successfully flown five aerial application flights prior to the accident flight with loads that were only half of capacity. This make/model airplane was new to the pilot, but he felt comfortable with the airplane having accumulated about 15 hours at the time of the accident. During the takeoff roll, the airplane hit a bump about halfway down the runway, and started to porpoise. The pilot stated that he started losing directional control, and applied the brakes. After regaining control, the airplane was not aligned with the runway; however, he continued the takeoff, thinking that the airplane was going to fly. The airplane subsequently departed the runway surface, collided with a three-strand wire fence, and bounced across a dike. The collision with the fence damaged the landing gear, and the airplane skidded to a stop. Both wings, both main landing gear, and the engine mount sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

## Factual narrative

The pilot reported that he had successfully flown five aerial application flights prior to the accident flight with loads that were only half of capacity. This make/model airplane was new to the pilot, but he felt comfortable with the airplane having accumulated about 15 hours at the time of the accident. During the takeoff roll, the airplane hit a bump about halfway down the runway, and started to porpoise. The pilot stated that he started losing directional control, and applied the brakes. After regaining control, the airplane was not aligned with the runway; however, he continued the takeoff, thinking that the airplane was going to fly. The airplane subsequently departed the runway surface, collided with a three-strand wire fence, and bounced across a dike. The collision with the fence damaged the landing gear, and the airplane skidded to a stop. Both wings, both main landing gear, and the engine mount sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9987J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9987J-2018-02-13), registration cancelled 2018-02-13, S/N T18803916T, built 1982 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA T188C
- Registry model: [Cessna T188C](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-t188c) (registry code 2073012) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-520-series) (registry code 17040, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: T18803916T
- Year built: 1982
- Airframe hours: 6455
- Engines: Continental Motors Inc TSIO-520 310 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Monte Reder, doing business as Reder Ag Air
- Registered owner: Baldwin Ranch Co
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special); Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 22, 2015, 15 hours before
- Departed: Ismay, MT
- Destination: MLS, Miles City, MT
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: PVT, Baldwin Ranch Strip

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review March 22, 2014; seat: single; flight hours: 5,525 total, 15 in this make and model, 5,525 as pilot in command, 196 in the last 90 days, 70 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 26 knots, gusting 32
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 43 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: KBHK

## 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 20150531007059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20150531007059A), May 31, 2015: Cessna T188C, Ismay, MT, Substantial damage. Aircraft was performing agricultural operations off the Baldwin Ranch, Ismay, Montana. This is approximately 40 miles east of miles city, MT, midway between…

## Docket (1 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on July 13, 2015, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=91281. 2.5 MB in all.

- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 2.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40429169&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF

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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