Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance. A factor was the turbulence
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
After making several passes dispensing herbicide, the pilot encountered a tree at one end of the field. Because he was flying under power lines, he was unable to pull up over the tree. The pilot stated that he attempted to climb slightly and banked right to get the left wing over the tree. He said that the airplane initially banked to the right, but then leveled when it encountered turbulence. The left wing struck the tree and the pilot lost control. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground
Source record
Factual narrative
On Saturday, May 15, 1993, at approximately 1142 central daylight time, a Cessna A188A, N9901G, was destroyed when it collided with trees and the ground while maneuvering near Decatur, Texas. The airplane, operated by Aerial Spraying, and flown by an ATP rated pilot, was on a 14 CFR Part 137 local aerial application flight. There was no flight plan filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The pilot stated that after making several passes dispensing herbicide on range land, he encountered a tree at one end of the field. Because he was flying under power lines, the pilot was unable to pull up over the tree. He stated that he attempted to climb slightly and bank to the right to get the left wing over the tree. He further stated that the airplane initially entered the right bank, but that turbulence caused the wings to level and the left one struck the tree. The pilot lost control and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground. -