Accident Overview
On April 13, 2021, at approximately 0852 eastern daylight time, a Cessna A188B, registration N4912Q, was destroyed after colliding with powerlines near Pineview, Georgia. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The airplane was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight.
Flight History
The aircraft was based at a private airstrip in Unadilla, Georgia. According to the operator, the airplane departed Unadilla around 0705 with approximately 2 hours 30 minutes of fuel. The pilot was engaged in mosquito spraying operations. At the time of the accident, he had two more residences to treat before returning to the airstrip.
Wreckage Examination
The wreckage was located inverted in a field approximately 8 miles southeast of the departure airstrip, near the powerlines. The powerlines were about 50 feet above ground level. Damage to the powerlines and landing gear indicated both main landing gear contacted the wires while traveling west-to-east. Both main landing gear separated during the impact, and the propeller and lower engine cowling also showed evidence of contact.
Flight control continuity was verified to the ailerons, elevator, and rudder, and all control surfaces remained attached. The manual flap handle was found in an extended position. The pilot's seat was equipped with a three-point safety harness; the webbings were intact and had been cut by first responders, and the buckle remained fastened.
The engine crankshaft could be rotated by hand at the propeller, which remained attached. Suction and compression were noted on all cylinders, with no internal binding. One propeller blade was bent forward 180° at midspan and then bent aft at the tip, while the other blade was twisted. Both blades exhibited leading edge polishing and grinding along the outboard third.
Additional Information
Data from an onboard GPS showed the airplane was on a northeasterly track toward the powerlines. The last recorded position, at 0852:43, was about 3/4-mile southwest of the accident site, indicating a groundspeed of 116 mph and a GPS altitude of 327 feet. The elevation at the accident site was 315 feet mean sea level. The sectional aeronautical chart for the area depicted the powerlines that were struck. Solar calculations for the time and location placed the sun approximately 23° above the horizon and 50° to the right of the airplane's track.
An autopsy performed by the Georgia Division of Forensic Sciences determined the cause of death as multiple blunt force trauma. Toxicology tests conducted by the FAA's Forensic Sciences Laboratory were negative for alcohol and other drugs.