NTSB Factual Report

On July 25, 2015, about 0815 eastern daylight time, a Cessna A188B, N731MB, was substantially damaged when it impacted power lines and terrain after takeoff from a private field near Albertson, North Carolina. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the aerial application flight, which was originating at the time of the accident. The flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137.

The pilot stated that he was departing with full fuel tanks and 105 gallons of spray mixture. A preflight inspection and engine run-up revealed no anomalies, and he initiated the takeoff from the turf runway with 10 degrees of wing flaps extended. The airplane lifted off the runway about 70 mph, and at 85 mph, the pilot established a "shallow" climb. He stated that as the airplane neared the end of the runway, it began to lose altitude. The left main landing gear contacted a power line and the airplane subsequently impacted terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.

Postaccident examination of the engine by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the intake manifold was damaged during the accident sequence. Spark was observed on all magnetos, and piston movement was observed on all cylinders.