Primary finding
Probable cause
Pilot's failure to maintain proper object/terrain clearance. Factors were tailwinds and high density altitude.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The operator and pilot reported a temperature of 95 degrees fahrenheit with the winds from the southwest at 20 knots gusting to 30 knots. They further reported that during the low turn around in the high density altitude conditions of approximately 3,200 feet, the airplane did not sustain flight. The left wing of the airplane hit a tree and the airplane descended to the corn field. The operator reported that the turn-around was not performed at sufficient altitude to allow adequate clearance.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 8, 1993, at 1830 central daylight time, a Cessna A188B, N4739R, was substantially damage near Temple, Texas, during aerial application maneuvering. The commercial pilot did not sustain injury. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed throughout the area for the aerial application flight. During telephone interviews, conducted by the investigator in charge, the operator and the pilot stated that the airplane was loaded with 48 gallons of fuel and 80 gallons of chemical. They further stated that the temperature for the day was at least 95 degrees Fahrenheit and during a low turn-around in high humidity and high density altitude conditions the airplane did not maintain altitude. They reported the winds were from the southwest at 20 knots gusting to 30 knots and the turn-around was attempted with a quartering tailwind. The pilot stated that the left wing hit a tree and the airplane descended into the corn field. The operator reported (enclosed statement) that the turn- around maneuver was not made high enough. Numerous attempts were made by the investigator in charge to obtain the Pilot/Operator Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2). This report has not been received. -