Casualties unknown

Airplane Impacts Swamp During Aerial Application Flight (N70213)

Myakka City, FL, US

On April 30, 2002, a Cessna A188B (registration N70213) was involved in an aviation accident near Myakka City, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain altitude while maneuvering during an aerial application, subsequently resulting in impact with the terrain. 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 aerial application airplane crashed into a swamp after sunset, with the pilot reporting no mechanical issues. The aircraft lacked an annual inspection and the pilot's medical certificate had expired.

Accident Details

While maneuvering during an aerial application operation, the airplane impacted into a swampy area. The pilot reported that he had been seeding for approximately 2.5 hours before the accident occurred. On the last leg of seeding a field after sunset, the pilot stated that the next thing he knew, he had flown into the ground and crashed. He indicated that there was nothing wrong with the airframe or engine.

Post-Accident Examination

An examination of the airframe and engine after the accident revealed no discrepancies. No mechanical anomalies were found that could have contributed to the impact.

Regulatory Status

At the time of the accident, the airplane was without an annual inspection. Additionally, the pilot of N70213 did not possess a current commercial pilot's certificate because his medical certificate had expired.

Report Submission

The pilot/operator was provided with an NTSB Pilot/Operator Accident Report Form 6120.1/2 by the FAA inspector, but a completed form was not received.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020502X00609. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.