Aircraft collision with ground during aerial application turn

Casualties unknown • Richland, WA, US

An aircraft collided with the ground following a stall buffet during a left-hand turn while performing aerial application spraying.

What happened

While performing an aerial application spray run, the pilot began executing a left turn and experienced the onset of a stall buffet. The flight path was characterized by nearby high terrain and power lines. During the maneuver, the pilot lost visual contact with the power lines. To avoid a collision with these utility lines, the pilot elected to maintain the left-hand turn despite the presence of high terrain in the intended direction of travel.

As the turn continued, the aircraft's airspeed and altitude both experienced a steady decay. The uninjured pilot was unable to recover the flight path before the airplane struck the ground at minimum airspeed with the wings in a level position. Following the impact, a postcrash fire ignited and completely consumed the aircraft.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to continue a left turn to avoid power lines despite the presence of high terrain, which led to a loss of airspeed and altitude and subsequent ground impact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-06-17 Cessna A188 accident near Richland, WA?

An aircraft collided with the ground following a stall buffet during a left-hand turn while performing aerial application spraying.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-06-17 involved a Cessna A188, registration N9766V, at Richland, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to continue a left turn to avoid power lines despite the presence of high terrain, which led to a loss of airspeed and altitude and subsequent ground impact.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08259. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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