Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Distraction During Spray Calibration and Two Terrain Impacts (N91919)

Britton, SD, US

On August 11, 1997, a Cessna A188B (registration N91919) was involved in an aviation accident near Britton, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the terrain during the spray run and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the turn after having contacted the terrain. A factor was the pilot's diverted attention. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot became distracted while calibrating spray equipment during descent, resulting in two separate terrain impacts. After the first impact, he pulled up to 200 feet but then descended rapidly during a turn.

Overview

An accident occurred involving an agricultural spray operation when the pilot became distracted by something inside the cockpit while descending over a field. The pilot had been calibrating the spray equipment at the time of the distraction.

Sequence of Events

The pilot reported that he was descending on a field while calibrating the spray equipment when he became distracted by something inside the cockpit. Shortly after, the airplane struck the terrain, causing vibration. The pilot then pulled the airplane back to an altitude of 200 feet above ground level and initiated a turn to fly toward a nearby road. As he entered the turn, the airplane descended rapidly and impacted the terrain for a second time.

Pilot Actions

After the first impact, the pilot regained control and climbed to 200 feet. He then turned the airplane toward a nearby road. During the turn, the airplane experienced a rapid descent and struck the terrain again. The pilot did not provide further details about the distraction or the events leading to the second impact.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08582. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.