Agricultural aircraft collision with barbed wire fence

Casualties unknown • Ringling, MT, US

An agricultural aircraft collided with a barbed wire fence after attempting to fly under power lines, resulting in the aircraft coming to rest in an open field.

What happened

During the final stages of takeoff, the pilot attempted to fly the aircraft close to the ground to pass underneath a set of power lines located near the end of the airstrip. While the aircraft successfully cleared the power lines, it settled toward the ground, touching down briefly before becoming airborne again.

As the aircraft traveled a short distance following this maneuver, the pilot dumped the chemical load. During this phase of flight, the aircraft touched down a second time and collided with a barbed wire fence. The aircraft subsequently came to rest in an open field. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions present at the time of the accident.

There were no injuries reported.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-09-09 Cessna A188B accident near Ringling, MT?

An agricultural aircraft collided with a barbed wire fence after attempting to fly under power lines, resulting in the aircraft coming to rest in an open field.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-09-09 involved a Cessna A188B, registration N731ED, operated by Russaero Flying Service, at Ringling, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13479. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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