Accident Overview
On August 17, 2018, at approximately 1815 central daylight time, a Cessna A188 airplane, registration N9076R, was substantially damaged during an accident near Whitewater, Kansas. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application operation.
Flight Details
The airplane departed from a nearby airport at 1800 for an aerial application flight. It was loaded with applicant, bringing it near its maximum gross weight. The pilot reported that the flight proceeded normally until the second application pass. While pulling up to reverse course, the airplane did not perform as expected.
Forced Landing
Due to the low altitude, the pilot attempted to dump the applicant and initiated a forced landing in a cornfield. The pilot was able to flare the airplane before impact. After touching down, the airplane came to rest upright in the cornfield.
Damage and Examination
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left wing, vertical stabilizer, horizontal stabilizers, elevators, and rudder. Federal Aviation Administration inspectors conducted a limited examination after the airplane was removed from the cornfield and found no preimpact anomalies with the airframe or engine. However, when the airplane was later recovered to a maintenance facility, it was discovered that one engine cylinder could only hold 10 psi of pressure.