Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from vegetation that caused increased drag during a low-level maneuvering flight.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, he was spraying a corn field at a low altitude. He said that the airplane spray booms contacted the corn and the corn debris accumulated on the boom. He performed a forced landing to a field after the airplane was unable to maintain airspeed and altitude due to the increase in drag. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA495 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 19, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Greenstown, Indiana
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A188B
- N-number
- N4725R
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.