Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain flying speed during a climbout from a swath run which resulted in a stall and the subsequent collision with trees.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was conducting a series of practice swath runs when he lost control of the airplane during climbout. The pilot stated that the airplane stalled during the climb, and the airplane collided with trees on the departure end of the swath run. Examination of the airplane failed to disclose a mechanical problem. Examination of the accident site disclosed that the airplane wreckage sustained tree and ground impact damage along the leading edge of the wing assembly.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 13, 1995, at 1430 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 188, N53340, collided with the ground during a practice aerial application swath run near Garfield, Georgia. The aerial application flight was being operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the pilot received minor injuries. The flight departed Garfield, at 1420 hours. According to the operator, the pilot was conducting a series of practice swath runs dispensing water on a field when the accident occurred. The pilot stated that during the pull-up from the swath run, the airplane stalled and he lost control of the airplane. The pilot also stated that the airplane started an uncontrollable descent and collided with trees. The examination of the aircraft disclosed that the airframe sustained tree and ground impact damage along the leading edge of the wing assembly. The aircraft examination failed to disclose a mechanical problem, nor did the pilot report a problem with the airplane. -