Cessna A188B N731MB accident near Albertson, North Carolina

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from wires during takeoff due to his impairment from alcohol use.

NTSB analysis

The pilot departed on the agricultural application flight with full fuel tanks and 105 gallons of spray mixture onboard, which he stated was a lighter load than the previous day. He described the airplane's climb as "shallow," and stated that, as the airplane neared the end of the runway, it began to descend. The left main landing gear impacted a power line and the airplane subsequently descended into terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.

Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation.

A breathalyzer test performed about 45 minutes after the accident revealed that the pilot’s blood alcohol content was 0.07 gm/dL. At the time of the accident, the pilot's blood alcohol content was likely 0.07 to 0.10 gm/dL, which would have been impairing.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA15LA281 for the full record.