1991-05-31: Cessna 188 — Collins, Robert C — Sycamore, SC

Casualties unknown • Sycamore, SC, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO SECURE THE GUST LOCK DURING PRELFLIGHT; THE STRING JAMMED THE FLIGHT CONTROLS AND CREATED AN UNCONTROLLABLE CONDITION.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

WHILE SPRAYING MELONS, THE PILOT STARTED A PULL UP FROM A SWATH RUN, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO COMPLETE THE MANEUVER BECAUSE THE FLIGHT CONTROLS WERE JAMMED. DURING THE ATTEMPT TO FREE THE CONTROLS THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR STRUCK THE GROUND. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE FLIGHT CONTROLS JAMMED WHEN A STRING USED AS A GUST LOCK WEDGED INTO THE STICK CONTROL. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND BEFORE THE PILOT COULD RELEASE THE GUST LOCK LINE. THE STRING WAS NOT PROPERLY SECURED PRIOR TO THE DEPARTURE.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-05-31 Cessna 188 accident near Sycamore, SC?

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-05-31 involved a Cessna 188, registration N731EP, operated by Collins, Robert C, at Sycamore, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO SECURE THE GUST LOCK DURING PRELFLIGHT; THE STRING JAMMED THE FLIGHT CONTROLS AND CREATED AN UNCONTROLLABLE CONDITION.

Loading the flight search…