Probable cause
The pilot did not maintain adequate clearance from obstacles during a low-level aerial application maneuver.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was on his second pass applying dry fertilizer to a field during an aerial application flight. He banked to the right away from steeply rising terrain. During the turn, the resultant loss of lift from the banked turn and gusting wind carried the airplane toward trees at the edge of the field. Despite the pilot's efforts to maneuver away from the trees, the airplane collided with them.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11LA181 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 1, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palouse, Washington
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A188
- N-number
- N5851G
- 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.