On August 2, 2002, a Cessna A188B (registration N4723Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Indianola, MS. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot to maintain clearance with a transmission wire resulting in the collision and substantial damage. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a cotton field spray run, an airplane collided with an unmarked power line, leading to a precautionary landing. The pilot, familiar with the field, misjudged clearance and initiated a climb, causing the strike. Damage included separation of the vertical stabilizer and rudder, arcing on the wing strut, and propeller damage.
Incident Overview
According to the operator, a crop-dusting airplane collided with an unmarked power line while conducting a spray run over a cotton field. The pilot, who was familiar with the field, believed the aircraft was clear of power lines and initiated a climb, resulting in contact with the line. Following the collision, the pilot immediately landed the airplane in the cotton field.
Damage Assessment
Postaccident examination revealed that approximately 1 foot of the vertical stabilizer and rudder assembly had separated from the aircraft. Additionally, arcing was noted on the right wing lift strut, and the propeller sustained damage. The extent of other structural damage was not specified in the report.
Operator Comments
The operator stated that the pilot was aware of the field's layout but misjudged the position of the power lines, leading to the climb that caused the strike. The power lines were noted as unmarked.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 2 Aug 2002 Cessna A188B accident near Indianola, MS?
During a cotton field spray run, an airplane collided with an unmarked power line, leading to a precautionary landing. The pilot, familiar with the field, misjudged clearance and initiated a climb, causing the strike. Damage included separation of the vertical stabilizer and rudder, arcing on the wing strut, and…
Were there any fatalities in the 2 Aug 2002 Cessna A188B accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Aug 2002 involved a Cessna A188B, registration N4723Q, at Indianola, MS.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The failure of the pilot to maintain clearance with a transmission wire resulting in the collision and substantial damage.