Casualties unknown

Agricultural Aircraft Collides with Trees During Crop Dusting Maneuver (N9858V)

Forrest City, AR, US

On August 6, 1992, a Cessna A188 (registration N9858V) operated by West, Gary M. was involved in an aviation accident near Forrest City, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE WITH THE TREES. 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 into a line of trees while executing a left turn for a second swath run, coming to rest just east of the foliage.

What happened

Witnesses observed an agricultural aircraft performing crop dusting operations over a designated cotton field. The pilot was conducting a second swath run when the airplane executed a left turn around maneuver. During this specific phase of the flight, the aircraft collided with a line of trees situated approximately one-half to three-quarters of a mile west of the target spray area.

The impact resulted in significant structural damage. The left wing tip became entangled within the foliage of trees ranging from 50 to 75 feet in height. Following the collision, the airplane came to rest on the ground approximately 75 feet east of the tree line where the initial contact occurred.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15393. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.