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Casualties unknown

Agricultural Aircraft Collides with Trees During Spray Pass (N5657J)

Cochran, GA, US

On July 16, 1994, a Cessna A188A (registration N5657J) operated by Lane W. Wimberly was involved in an aviation accident near Cochran, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED AND CLEARANCE FROM TREES DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION MANEUVER. FACTORS WERE THE TREES AT THE PERIMETER OF THE FIELD, AND THE GUSTING TAIL WIND CONDITIONS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An agricultural pilot on his third spray pass collided with perimeter trees during climbout. The pilot reported a gusting tailwind, a substantial pesticide load, and diminished airspeed due to consecutive passes. No mechanical malfunction was reported.

Accident Overview

An accident occurred involving an agricultural aircraft during a spraying operation. The pilot was on his third spray pass of a small field. During the climbout following the pass, the aircraft collided with trees located at the perimeter of the field.

Pilot Commentary

The pilot provided a statement regarding the circumstances. He reported that there was a gusting tail wind at the time. He also noted that he was carrying a "substantial" load of pesticides. Additionally, the pilot stated that the airspeed was diminished due to the consecutive passes of the small field. He specifically stated that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure with the aircraft.

Accident Conditions

The aircraft was performing its third consecutive spray pass over the field. The collision occurred during the climbout phase. The pilot did not report any pre-impact mechanical issues.

Damage

The aircraft received damage from impact with trees.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jul 1994 Cessna A188A accident near Cochran, GA?

An agricultural pilot on his third spray pass collided with perimeter trees during climbout. The pilot reported a gusting tailwind, a substantial pesticide load, and diminished airspeed due to consecutive passes. No mechanical malfunction was reported.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jul 1994 involved a Cessna A188A, registration N5657J, operated by Lane W. Wimberly, at Cochran, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED AND CLEARANCE FROM TREES DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION MANEUVER. FACTORS WERE THE TREES AT THE PERIMETER OF THE FIELD, AND THE GUSTING TAIL WIND CONDITIONS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01668. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.