Cessna A188 N731ST accident near Castroville, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance during the agricultural spraying flight.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he was conducting agricutural spraying operations in the airplane when the accident occurred. He stated that it was his first pass when he noticed a center pivot irrigation system ahead. His efforts to avoid hitting the irrigation system were unsuccessful. After striking the irrigation system he noted that he had almost no aileron control. He was able to use full power, full left aileron, and full left rudder to regain partial control and return to the airport for an emergency landing. As the airplane touched down the left main landing gear separated and the airplane came to rest upright resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and flight controls. The pilot reported there were no mechanical anomalies prior to impact with the irrigation system.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA438 for the full record.