Casualties unknown

Crop Duster Makes Hard Landing in Cotton Field After Buffeting During Turn (N4463Q)

Calipatria, CA, US

On July 19, 1983, a Cessna A188B (registration N4463Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Calipatria, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A crop dusting aircraft made a hard landing in a cotton field after the pilot felt buffeting in a turn and dumped a toxic load of Suprecide. Engine examination found no abnormalities.

Incident Overview

A crop dusting aircraft experienced buffeting during a turn and made a hard landing in a cotton field. The pilot reported that he believed he was stalling in vortex turbulence from another aircraft ahead of him. Prior to landing, a toxic load of Suprecide was dumped. The pilot described the landing as precautionary, stating that even though some power was available, the engine power did not increase when he added more throttle.

Examination and Findings

An examination of the engine revealed valve train continuity, the magnetos sparked, and differential compression was good. No fuel contamination was found. Investigators concluded that no conditions were found that would prevent normal operation of the engine.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X43815. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.