1989-06-26: Cessna A188B — Vega, TX

Casualties unknown • Vega, TX, US

Probable cause

THE UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITION (PROBABLE WHIRLWIND OR SEVERE WIND SHEAR) THAT WAS ENCOUNTERED MOMENTS AFTER LIFT-OFF.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PILOT HAD OBSERVED ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS (WHIRLWINDS) IN THE AREA, BUT DUE TO THICK VEGETATION ON THE AIRPORT, HE WAS NOT AWARE THAT THESE CONDITIONS EXISTED FOR HIS TAKEOFF. HE STATED THAT HE ENCOUNTERED THIS ENVIRONMENT AT LOW AIRSPEED AT LIFTOFF. SUBSEQUENTLY, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT & THE LEFT WING TIP HIT THE GROUND, THEN THE ACFT CARTWHEELED & WAS DAMAGED.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-06-26 Cessna A188B accident near Vega, TX?

THE PILOT HAD OBSERVED ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS (WHIRLWINDS) IN THE AREA, BUT DUE TO THICK VEGETATION ON THE AIRPORT, HE WAS NOT AWARE THAT THESE CONDITIONS EXISTED FOR HIS TAKEOFF. HE STATED THAT HE ENCOUNTERED THIS ENVIRONMENT AT LOW AIRSPEED AT LIFTOFF. SUBSEQUENTLY, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT & THE LEFT…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-06-26 involved a Cessna A188B, registration N4956Q, at Vega, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITION (PROBABLE WHIRLWIND OR SEVERE WIND SHEAR) THAT WAS ENCOUNTERED MOMENTS AFTER LIFT-OFF.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28569. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…