Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree during a low-level aerial application flight.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during an aerial application flight, the airplane was climbing out from a spray pass along a field when a gust of wind pushed the airplane into a tree, striking the left wing. The pilot was able to maintain control of the airplane and landed without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA286 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 1, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Randolph, Nebraska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna T188C
- N-number
- N9998J
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1980
- 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.