On June 17, 1997, a Cessna A188 (registration N9766V) was involved in an aviation accident near Richland, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. Inadequate in-flight planning and high obstructions that restricted evasive maneuvers were factors. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An agricultural aircraft stalled while turning to avoid power lines and high terrain, then struck the ground wings level and was consumed by post-crash fire. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions.
Accident Sequence
The pilot was performing an aerial application spray run and had just completed it when he began a left turn. During the turn, he felt the onset of a stall buffet. High terrain and power lines were in the vicinity. The pilot lost sight of the power lines and, with high terrain in the flight path, chose to continue the left turn to avoid a collision with the lines.
As the turn progressed, airspeed and altitude continued to decay. The airplane subsequently collided with the ground at minimum airspeed and with the wings level. A post-crash fire ignited and consumed the aircraft.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane at the time of the accident.
What happened in the 17 Jun 1997 Cessna A188 accident near Richland, WA?
An agricultural aircraft stalled while turning to avoid power lines and high terrain, then struck the ground wings level and was consumed by post-crash fire. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Jun 1997 involved a Cessna A188, registration N9766V, at Richland, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. Inadequate in-flight planning and high obstructions that restricted evasive maneuvers were factors.
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