No fatalities

Aerial Application Aircraft Veers Off Runway During Crosswind Takeoff

Ord, NE, United States

On August 16, 2011, a CESSNA A188 was involved in an aviation accident near Ord, NE. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during a crosswind takeoff. 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

An aerial application aircraft veered left after encountering turbulence from buildings during a crosswind takeoff, collided with a runway approach light, and sustained substantial damage to the left wing's spar.

Incident Overview

A pilot conducting an aerial application flight filled the aircraft with fuel and grass seed before departure. During the takeoff roll, the pilot applied full rudder and aileron inputs as the aircraft began a crosswind takeoff. As the aircraft gained speed, it encountered turbulence generated by nearby buildings, causing it to veer left.

Sequence of Events

The pilot was unable to correct the turn before the aircraft exited the runway surface. After leaving the runway, the aircraft collided with a runway approach light. The left wing then impacted the ground before the aircraft came to a stop.

Damage Assessment

An examination of the aircraft revealed substantial damage to the left wing's spar. No other damage details were reported.

Pilot Actions

The pilot reported applying full rudder and aileron during the takeoff. Despite these inputs, the aircraft continued to veer left due to the turbulence, and the pilot could not straighten the turn in time.

Context

The incident involved an aerial application flight, where agricultural materials such as grass seed are dispersed from the aircraft. The presence of nearby buildings contributed to turbulent conditions during the takeoff. The specific aircraft type, registration, date, and location were not disclosed in the source.

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained