On May 19, 1986, a Cessna A188B (registration N9496G) operated by Bonanza Valley Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Montevideo, MN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a takeoff from a roadway, a wind shift from headwind to tailwind led a crop duster pilot to turn to avoid a stop sign. The aircraft's landing gear touched down on a crossing roadway, and it flipped onto its back in a field due to rough terrain.
Incident Details
A crop duster aircraft overturned during a takeoff attempt from a roadway after a sudden wind shift altered the conditions. The aircraft was rolling for takeoff when the wind changed from a headwind to a tailwind. In response, the pilot turned the aircraft to avoid a stop sign on the roadway. During this maneuver, the landing gear made contact with a crossing roadway. The aircraft then flipped over onto its back in a field beyond the crossing roadway. The rough terrain in that field was cited as the reason for the aircraft turning over.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported keeping the aircraft low after rotation to fly under wires that ran parallel to the crossing roadway. This low altitude was necessary because the tailwind caused a delayed rotation, requiring the pilot to stay low to clear the wires.