Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in a stall during the aerial application.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was performing an aerial application of a field when he executed a turn to line up for the next spray pass. During the turn, the airspeed slowed, and the airplane stalled. The airplane impacted the field and sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot stated that he should have discontinued the turn rather than attempt to align the airplane for the next spray pass.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA502 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 22, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Devils Lake, North Dakota
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A188B
- N-number
- N731AU
- 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.