Casualties unknown

Pilot Blinded by Facial Cuts After Aerial Application Aircraft Strikes Pine Tree (N91676)

Centre, AL, US

On June 5, 1993, a Cessna A188B (registration N91676) operated by Lindsey, James D. was involved in an aviation accident near Centre, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM TREES DURING AGRICULTURAL APPLICATION MANEUVERING. FACTORS WERE THE TREES IN THE VICINITY OF THE PLANNED FLIGHT PATH. 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

A commercial pilot performing aerial application on a farm field struck a pine tree during a pull-up. The windscreen shattered, causing facial cuts that blinded the pilot. During a subsequent landing attempt, the aircraft hit more trees and crashed. The pilot reported no mechanical issues.

Accident Sequence

A commercial pilot was conducting aerial application passes over a farm field. During the pull-up maneuver following a spray pass, the aircraft collided with a pine tree. The impact shattered the windscreen, and the pilot sustained facial cuts and bleeding that blinded him. While attempting to land after the collision, the aircraft struck additional trees before impacting the ground.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that no mechanical problems with the airplane existed prior to the initial collision with the tree. The pilot's account indicates that the accident sequence began with the tree strike during the pull-up and was followed by the loss of vision due to blood, which prevented a controlled landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12532. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.