Casualties unknown

Aerial Application Takeoff Ends in Collision with Road (N4999R)

Sumner, IA, US

On August 11, 1988, a Cessna 188B (registration N4999R) operated by Cedar Valley Farm Services was involved in an aviation accident near Sumner, IA. 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 takeoff for an aerial application operation, the pilot misjudged the runway length and collided with a road, causing substantial damage to the aircraft.

Incident Overview

Aerial application takeoff resulted in a collision with a road when the pilot was unable to climb high enough to clear a four-foot-high road at the end of the runway. The aircraft struck the road, shearing off the main landing gear and sustaining substantial damage.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that he believed the field was approximately 400 feet longer than its actual length, estimating it to be 2,300 feet instead of the actual 1,900 feet. He noted that the aircraft was carrying about a 170-gallon load of insecticide, and the density altitude was near 2,500 feet MSL.

Aircraft Damage

The collision with the road resulted in the main landing gear being sheared off, and the aircraft was substantially damaged. No other details about the aircraft or occupants were provided in the report.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26656. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.