Accident Details
On August 16, 2014, at approximately 0950 central daylight time, a Cessna 188C agricultural airplane, registration N878C, operated by Spot Air LLC of Burlington, Texas, sustained substantial damage when it collided with the ground and a fence line. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 for agricultural operations. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The flight had originated from a private agricultural airstrip near Burlington, Texas, at 0830.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, the airplane was applying herbicides to a milo crop field. During a pass over the field, the bottom of the airplane contacted the heads of the milo. The airplane then continued through a six-strand wire fence and struck a metal post with the left wing. It subsequently crossed a farm road and ground looped. The pilot reported no power or mechanical anomalies prior to the impact.
Engine Examination
On September 5, 2014, the engine was examined at Air Salvage of Dallas in Lancaster, Texas, under NTSB supervision. The engine was intact but exhibited heavy impact damage throughout. Rocker box covers, oil sump, and balance tube were impact damaged. All accessories remained attached. Intake and exhaust pipes were heavily damaged. Cylinders were examined with a lighted scope; pistons and cylinder domes showed normal combustion deposits. Crankshaft rotation confirmed continuity to all cylinders and the rear of the engine, including oil pump gears. Thumb compression was confirmed on all cylinders except numbers 5 and 6, which had heavy impact damage on their heads but were confirmed to be moving. The oil pump was free to rotate with gears coated in oil and a few small metal particles on the pump gears. The oil filter was crushed and contained some small metal particles. The fuel pump was broken in half, but internal inspection revealed no damage. The fuel metering unit was intact, with controls free to move. The fuel screen was clean and dry. All fuel nozzles were in place except numbers two and five, which were separated with damaged threads; all nozzles had dirt inside. Both magnetos sparked at all terminals when rotated; the hardened magneto drive gear was not from the side where the air conditioner pulley was mounted. Spark plugs were worn but normal per comparison card, with dark deposits. The turbocharger was partly separated with impact damage; its drive shaft rotated freely and blades were undamaged. The starter adapter was in place and free to rotate, though the spring slipped and the shaft showed damage. The propeller hub was shattered, two blades were missing, and the remaining blade exhibited S-type bending and heavy scarring. The inspection found no abnormalities that would have prevented normal operation and production of rated horsepower.