Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff for undetermined reasons because the pilot did not recall the accident.
NTSB analysis
The agricultural airplane took off with full fuel tanks and a load of chemical for spraying operations. The airplane crashed about 0.5 miles from the departure airstrip. Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane hit the ground in a left-wing-low attitude and then cartwheeled to its resting point. Examination of the airframe, engine and airplane systems revealed no preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that he remembered taking off from the private airstrip but did not recall the accident itself.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA452 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 28, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Estelline, South Dakota
- Nearest airport
- Private Airstrip
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A188A
- N-number
- N1588M
- 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.