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Casualties unknown

Aerial Application Accident Involving Left Wing Contact with Weeds (N4946Q)

Upper Lake, CA, US

On June 23, 1988, a Cessna 188 (registration N4946Q) operated by Gordon, Fritz was involved in an aviation accident near Upper Lake, 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

During an aerial application flight, the pilot reported a normal takeoff ground run, but the left wing contacted weeds at the runway end, causing the airplane to slow and come to rest inverted in a rice field. The pilot cited excessive weight and short runway.

Accident Details

An accident occurred during an aerial application flight. The pilot reported having flown six or seven flights earlier in the day. Each flight, the load was reduced due to the increasing temperature. On the accident flight, the pilot stated that the takeoff ground run was acceptable. However, at the end of the runway, the left wing contacted weeds. The airplane subsequently slowed and came to rest inverted in a rice field.

Pilot Account

The pilot indicated that the weight of the airplane was too heavy and the runway was too short for the existing conditions. No mechanical failures or malfunctions were reported at the time of the accident.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25974. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.