Casualties unknown

Agricultural Aircraft Collides with Trees During Spraying Operation (N9450G)

Sylvania, GA, US

On September 1, 1992, a Cessna 188 (registration N9450G) operated by Hilde, Richard L. was involved in an aviation accident near Sylvania, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION BY THE PILOT WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL CONTAMINATION AND A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. 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 collided with trees while spraying a soybean field. The pilot reported no recollection of the event. Post-accident examination found water in the fuel manifold valve and number 6 cylinder, but the engine operated normally during testing.

Accident Overview

A pilot conducting agricultural spraying operations collided with trees surrounding a soybean field. The aircraft had been loaded with chemicals and flown 15 minutes to the field before beginning the spraying run. The collision occurred after approximately 100 gallons of chemical had been dispensed.

Pilot and Witness Accounts

The pilot did not recall the events leading up to the collision, and there were no direct witnesses to the accident. However, two individuals near the accident site provided differing recollections of the engine's operation prior to the impact.

Preflight and Fuel Inspection

Before the flight, the pilot completed a preflight inspection that included checking fuel samples for contaminants. No contaminants were reported during this inspection.

Post-Crash Examination

An examination of the engine revealed the presence of water in the fuel manifold valve and number 6 cylinder. The fuel tanks sustained damage from impact forces. Despite these findings, the engine operated normally during a post-crash examination.

Investigation Findings

No probable cause was stated in the investigation source. The presence of water in the fuel system was documented, but no causal link to the accident was established in the provided information.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15586. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.