Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the airplane contacting tall grass.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll for an agricultural flight, the airplane drifted left of the runway center, and the left wing and spray boom encountered tall grass. Subsequently, the airplane spun about 270°.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported in the Operator/Owner Safety Recommendation section of NTSB Form 6120.1 that the tall grass next to the runway "will be maintained shorter."
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA359 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 14, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Salem, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Harchenko Industrial (OR38)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A188
- N-number
- N4877Q
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- 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.