On July 9, 2000, a Cessna A188B (registration N731DW) was involved in an aviation accident near Chase, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual separation from an obstacle, attributed to windshield obstruction from spray, glare from the setting sun, and distraction from navigation equipment. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft engaged in agricultural spraying collided with a tall deer stand while flying into the setting sun, with the pilot citing windshield obstruction and GPS distraction.
What happened
The accident occurred during an agricultural application mission where the pilot was distributing chemical agents over a field. According to the operator's account, the airplane struck a deer stand that measured approximately 14 feet in height. The pilot reported that the spray material coated the windshield, significantly reducing visibility. Additionally, the flight path directed the aircraft toward the setting sun, creating glare conditions. The pilot also noted being distracted by the GPS flagging unit and did not see the obstruction until impact.
The investigation
Investigation details were limited to the statements provided by the operator and the pilot. No mechanical examination or physical evidence analysis was included in the source material.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain visual separation from an obstacle, attributed to windshield obstruction from spray, glare from the setting sun, and distraction from navigation equipment.
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