Casualties unknown

Agricultural Aircraft Crashes During Grasshopper Control Operations (N9438J)

Wannaska, MN, US

On July 3, 1989, a Cessna T188C (registration N9438J) was involved in an aviation accident near Wannaska, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND DID NOT MAINTAIN AIRSPEED, RESULTING IN AN INADVERTENT STALL. 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

An aircraft crashed in a steep nose-down attitude into a swampy area while dispensing chemicals for grasshopper control at late dusk. No preimpact mechanical failures were evident.

What happened

The pilot was conducting agricultural operations to dispense chemicals for grasshopper control during the late dusk period. While performing these duties, the aircraft crashed in a steep nose-down attitude within a swampy area.

During the impact sequence, significant structural damage occurred to the forward sections of the airframe. The nose and the leading edges of the wings were crushed aftward. The fuselage sustained slight buckling on the left side, although the empennage remained undamaged.

The investigation

Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of preimpact part failure or mechanical malfunction that could have contributed to the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28916. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.