This Occurrence Brief has been compiled from information
obtained from the pilot and aircraft operator. The ATSB did not
conduct an on-site investigation.
The Cessna 188 was being used to spread insecticide over a
cotton crop. Soon after takeoff, and as the pilot was setting the
aircraft up to conduct the initial spray run, the aircraft
descended from a steep turn, into the crop and impacted heavily.
Although the aircraft was substantially damaged, the pilot was not
hurt. The weather conditions were CAVOK (cloud ceiling, visibility
and general weather were suitable for visual flight) with a
variable wind of about 3 to 5 kts. The temperature was reported as
being about 26 degrees C.
The pilot gained an agricultural rating 8 months prior to the
accident and had accumulated about 36 hours agricultural flying
experience before the accident. She had about 15 hours experience
on the aircraft type and was operating under the supervision of an
experienced agricultural pilot.
The pilot reported the following information:
The aircraft had been loaded to within 0.6 kg of the maximum
takeoff weight.
Following the takeoff, the aircraft 'felt heavy' but was climbing
adequately.
During a steep turn towards the direction of the initial spray
run, the aircraft began descending towards the ground.
The wings were levelled and full power applied but the engine did
not appear to deliver full power.
Further turns were made to avoid wires and trees and then as the
aircraft continued descending the wings were rolled level before
the aircraft hit the ground.
A subsequent engineering inspection by the operator revealed
that one of the magnetos had no defects, but the other magneto had
badly worn or burnt breaker points. No other defects were found
during the engineering inspection. The operator's engineering
assessment determined that it was unlikely that the faulty magneto
would have affected the ability of the engine to deliver full
power.
The investigation could not determine why the aircraft failed to
remain airborne, although the steep turn at high weight may have
been a factor in the accident.