Cessna T188C N9987J

Summary

On 31 May 2015 at about 19:30 local time, a Cessna T188C registered N9987J, operated by Monte Reder, was involved in an accident near Ismay, Montana, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

31 May 2015 at 19:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Ismay, Montana, United States

Nearest airport

Baldwin Ranch Strip (PVT)

Coordinates

46.5000, -104.8000

Aircraft

Cessna T188C

Registration

N9987J

Category

Airplane

Year built

1982

Operator

Monte Reder

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Ismay → Miles City

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR15CA173

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's incorrect action to continue the takeoff when he failed to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he had successfully flown five aerial application flights prior to the accident flight with loads that were only half of capacity. This make/model airplane was new to the pilot, but he felt comfortable with the airplane having accumulated about 15 hours at the time of the accident. During the takeoff roll, the airplane hit a bump about halfway down the runway, and started to porpoise. The pilot stated that he started losing directional control, and applied the brakes. After regaining control, the airplane was not aligned with the runway; however, he continued the takeoff, thinking that the airplane was going to fly. The airplane subsequently departed the runway surface, collided with a three-strand wire fence, and bounced across a dike. The collision with the fence damaged the landing gear, and the airplane skidded to a stop. Both wings, both main landing gear, and the engine mount sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation.              

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.