Casualties unknown

Aircraft Stalls During Reversing Course, Strikes Tree in Post-Crash Fire (N731SP)

Inverness, MS, US

On July 4, 2000, a Cessna A188B (registration N731SP) was involved in an aviation accident near Inverness, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed while reversing course during an aerial application flight resulting in the aircraft stalling, descending, impacting a tree, and crashing to the ground. 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

An agricultural aircraft stalled while reversing course, struck a tree 25 feet above ground, lost left wing and gear, nosed down, and crashed inverted. A post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft. The pilot succumbed to injuries seven days later.

Accident Sequence

Approximately 10 minutes after departure, smoke was observed from the area the flight was spraying. An FAA inspector's examination of the crash site revealed that the aircraft had stalled while reversing course and subsequently impacted a tree about 25 feet above the ground. The impact caused the left wing and landing gear to separate from the aircraft. The aircraft then nosed down and crashed into the ground, coming to rest inverted.

Post-Crash Fire

A post-crash fire erupted, completely destroying the aircraft. The pilot succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident seven days later.

Mechanical Examination

Post-crash examination of the aircraft and engine by an FAA inspector found no evidence of precrash mechanical failure or malfunction.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21537. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.