Casualties unknown

Agricultural Aircraft Noses Over After Veering Off Road Runway (N4887Q)

Bluffs, IL, US

On May 30, 1991, a Cessna A188B (registration N4887Q) operated by Bob Davis Flying Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Bluffs, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During the fourth takeoff for herbicide application, the aircraft veered right after liftoff, rolled inverted, and nosed over in a field. Ground scars indicated right wingtip contact at road edge, then main gear and propeller marks in a ditch. No malfunction was reported or found.

Accident Overview

A pilot conducting aerial herbicide application was on his fourth takeoff from the accident location when the aircraft veered right approximately 2 to 3 feet above ground after liftoff, then rolled to an inverted attitude. The runway was a crowned blacktop road, 25 feet wide, with ditches 4 feet deep on either side.

Ground Evidence

Ground scars from the right wingtip began at the edge of the road, followed by marks from the main landing gear and propeller in the adjacent ditch. The aircraft subsequently nosed over in a field beyond the ditch.

Pilot Statement and Investigation

The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction, and no malfunction was discovered during the post-accident examination. No probable cause was identified in the source provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16936. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.