Casualties unknown

Agricultural Airplane Strikes Berm During Forced Landing After Engine Power Loss (N4779J)

Seminole, TX, US

On October 29, 2002, a Cessna T188C (registration N4779J) was involved in an aviation accident near Seminole, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. 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 airplane experienced a loss of engine power after departure, became nose heavy, and struck a dirt berm during a forced landing in a cotton field. The cause of the power loss was not determined.

Accident Overview

An agricultural airplane departed from a private airstrip en route to a field to be sprayed. Shortly after departure, the engine began to lose power.

Flight and Pilot Actions

The pilot reported that the aircraft felt nose-heavy and was unable to maintain airspeed or altitude. The pilot attempted to return to the departure airstrip but determined that it could not be reached. Consequently, the pilot initiated a forced landing to a cotton field. During the descent, the pilot did not dispense the chemical load.

Forced Landing and Impact

During the forced landing, the airplane struck a dirt berm and came to rest upright. The aircraft was not equipped with any recording devices that could provide additional information about the flight.

Investigation

The reason for the loss of engine power was not determined during the investigation. No other factors contributing to the event were identified.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021101X05420. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.