2005-05-14: Cessna A188B — Ludell, KS

Casualties unknown • Ludell, KS, US

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during an aerial application maneuver. The trees and the sun glare were contributing factors.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The airplane was destroyed and the pilot fatally injured when it struck trees and terrain during an aerial application flight. The airplane came to rest in the field that was to be sprayed about 84 feet from a grouping of trees that had broken branches. No pre-impact anomalies were found with respect to the airplane. Evidence from the accident scene shows that the airplane was travelling in a northeasterly direction. The position of the sun was determined to be 78.4 degrees relative to north, and 15.6 degrees above the horizon.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-05-14 Cessna A188B accident near Ludell, KS?

The airplane was destroyed and the pilot fatally injured when it struck trees and terrain during an aerial application flight. The airplane came to rest in the field that was to be sprayed about 84 feet from a grouping of trees that had broken branches. No pre-impact anomalies were found with respect to the airplane.…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-05-14 involved a Cessna A188B, registration N4734Q, at Ludell, KS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during an aerial application maneuver. The trees and the sun glare were contributing factors.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050520X00649. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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