Casualties unknown

Ag Aircraft Crashes While Spraying Cotton (N5511S)

Winnsboro, LA, US

On September 21, 1989, a Cessna 188 (registration N5511S) was involved in an aviation accident near Winnsboro, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of control during a low-altitude maneuver while engaged in agricultural operations. 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 agricultural airplane crashed while spraying cotton after a witness reported the nose dropping during a left turn, leading to impact with a tree and ground.

What happened

The aircraft was engaged in agricultural operations, specifically spraying cotton fields. A witness observed the airplane executing a left turn when the nose suddenly dropped. The aircraft subsequently struck a tree and then impacted the ground, resulting in a fire.

The investigation

Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failures with the airframe or powerplant. Analysis confirmed that the engine was operating at both the moment of tree impact and ground impact, indicating the failure was not due to engine stoppage prior to collision.

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of control during a low-altitude maneuver while engaged in agricultural operations.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29365. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.