No fatalities

Aerial Application Flight Ends in Accident After Nose-High Pitch

Kingstree, SC, United States

On June 3, 2009, a CESSNA A188B operated by Guy McClary was involved in an aviation accident near Kingstree, SC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot pitching the airplane too nose high during a turn, resulting in a loss of speed and subsequent impact with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot practicing aerial application sprayed two lines, then pitched the nose too high during a turn, lost speed, and impacted the ground on a 030 heading. Winds were calm, and no mechanical issues were found.

Accident Summary

A pilot conducting an aerial application flight over a field was practicing spray runs. After successfully completing two spray lines, the pilot initiated a turn to align for a third line. During this maneuver, the pilot reported that he "pitched the airplane too nose high." The airplane subsequently lost speed and impacted the ground on a heading of 030 degrees.

Environmental Conditions

At the time of the accident, wind conditions recorded at an airport approximately 1 mile from the accident site were from 150 degrees true at 3 knots.

Aircraft Examination

No mechanical anomalies were noted with the airplane during post-accident examination.

Pilot Actions

The pilot stated that the loss of speed and subsequent ground impact resulted from his own control input: pitching the airplane too nose high while turning back for the next spray line.

Probable cause

The pilot pitching the airplane too nose high during a turn, resulting in a loss of speed and subsequent impact with terrain.

Contributing factors

PilotAirspeed — Not attained/maintained