On July 20, 1991, a Cessna 188 (registration N9072R) operated by Creech Iv, William H. was involved in an aviation accident near Snow Hill, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees during an aerial application flight, which resulted in a collision and subsequent post-impact fire that destroyed the airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane engaged in aerial application operations collided with trees during a swath run, resulting in a post-impact fire that destroyed the aircraft. No mechanical issues were found.
What happened
During an aerial application flight, the airplane collided with trees measuring approximately 50 feet in height located at the departure end of a swath run. A witness observed the airplane clip the tops of these trees and continue along its original heading before crashing into an adjacent field. The impact resulted in a post-impact fire that completely destroyed the aircraft.
The investigation
A thorough examination of the wreckage was conducted to determine the cause of the accident. Investigators found no evidence of pre-impact mechanical problems or malfunctions with the airplane's systems. The absence of disclosed mechanical issues during the wreckage examination suggests that the failure was not due to a technical defect in the aircraft prior to the collision.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the destruction of the airplane was the collision with trees during the low-altitude aerial application operation. The witness account confirms the initial contact with the tree tops, which likely compromised the structural integrity of the aircraft, leading to the subsequent crash and fire in the nearby field.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees during an aerial application flight, which resulted in a collision and subsequent post-impact fire that destroyed the airplane.
What happened in the 20 Jul 1991 Cessna 188 accident near Snow Hill, NC?
An airplane engaged in aerial application operations collided with trees during a swath run, resulting in a post-impact fire that destroyed the aircraft. No mechanical issues were found.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Jul 1991 involved a Cessna 188, registration N9072R, operated by Creech Iv, William H., at Snow Hill, NC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees during an aerial application flight, which resulted in a collision and subsequent post-impact fire that destroyed the airplane.
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