Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Television Antenna Guy Wire After Aerial Application (N21897)

Hartsville, SC, US

On October 5, 1989, a Cessna 188B (registration N21897) was involved in an aviation accident near Hartsville, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE IN-FLIGHT CLEARANCE FROM OBSTACLES. 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

After completing an aerial application to a cotton field, the aircraft struck a television broadcast antenna support guy wire about a quarter mile west of the field.

Accident Sequence

The pilot had just finished applying a substance to a cotton field. After completing the application, the pilot executed a left climbing turn to a southerly course. The aircraft climbed to an altitude of approximately 400 feet above ground level. At a position abeam of the approach end of the field that had been sprayed, about one quarter mile west of the field, the aircraft impacted a support guy wire for a television broadcast antenna.

Wreckage Examination

Examination of the wreckage revealed markings on the propeller and left wing. These markings were indicative of a collision with a cable.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29519. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.