1997-07-28: Cessna 188 — Benson, NC

Casualties unknown • Benson, NC, US

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain a visual lookout during a swath run resulting in an in-flight collision with a cable, subsequent loss of engine power, forced landing, and an in-flight collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was a total loss of engine power due to the separation of the gascolator (wire strike) resulting in fuel starvation.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot was making a swath run and collided with a cable separating the engine gascolator resulting in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, forced landing and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain. Examination of the engine assembly and accessories revealed no evidence of a precrash mechanical failure or malfunction.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-07-28 Cessna 188 accident near Benson, NC?

The pilot was making a swath run and collided with a cable separating the engine gascolator resulting in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, forced landing and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain. Examination of the engine assembly and accessories revealed no evidence of a precrash mechanical…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-07-28 involved a Cessna 188, registration N53240, at Benson, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain a visual lookout during a swath run resulting in an in-flight collision with a cable, subsequent loss of engine power, forced landing, and an in-flight collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was a total loss of engine power due to the separation of the gascolator (wire…

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08471. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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