Aircraft stall and crash during takeoff from grass airstrip

Casualties unknown • Belhaven, NC, US

A single-engine aircraft stalled during its initial climb after takeoff from a grass airstrip, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe.

What happened

During takeoff from a grass airstrip, a Cessna (type not specified) stalled while in the initial climb phase. The aircraft subsequently crashed into a cotton field. At the time of the accident, the pilot was transporting 150 gallons of chemicals for aerial application. Upon exiting the aircraft, the pilot observed that the wind conditions had shifted from a headwind to a tailwind.

The impact resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, the propeller, and the vertical and horizontal stabilizers. There were no injuries reported.

Findings

An investigation by an FAA Inspector revealed that the pilot was performing aerial application operations without holding a required agricultural operator certificate. The pilot noted that the accident could have been avoided by erecting a windsock to monitor wind direction or by carrying a lighter load of chemicals.

Probable cause

The aircraft stalled during takeoff due to a shift in wind direction from a headwind to a tailwind while carrying a heavy chemical load.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-10-11 Cessna 188B accident near Belhaven, NC?

A single-engine aircraft stalled during its initial climb after takeoff from a grass airstrip, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-10-11 involved a Cessna 188B, registration N91181, operated by William J. Brinkley, at Belhaven, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft stalled during takeoff due to a shift in wind direction from a headwind to a tailwind while carrying a heavy chemical load.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20061129X01720. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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