Casualties unknown

Herbicide Dispensing Flight Ends in Tree Strike and Ground Impact (N9901G)

Decatur, TX, US

On May 15, 1993, a Cessna A188A (registration N9901G) operated by Sitton, Dwayne was involved in an aviation accident near Decatur, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE. A FACTOR WAS THE TURBULENCE. 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

While dispensing herbicide, a pilot flew under power lines, encountered a tree, attempted to clear it but struck it with the left wing after turbulence, losing control and impacting the ground.

Incident Overview

During an agricultural herbicide dispensing operation, the pilot made several passes over a field. On one pass, the pilot encountered a tree at one end of the field. Because the airplane was flying under power lines, the pilot was unable to pull up over the tree.

Maneuver and Impact

In an attempt to avoid the tree, the pilot attempted to climb slightly and banked right to get the left wing over the tree. The airplane initially banked to the right, but then leveled when it encountered turbulence. The left wing subsequently struck the tree, and the pilot lost control of the airplane. The airplane then impacted the ground.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12398. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.