NTSB Factual Report

On June 15, 2005, approximately 1430 central daylight time, a tailwheel-equipped Cessna A188B agricultural single-engine airplane, N4894R, was substantially damaged following a loss of directional control during takeoff roll at the Osceola Municipal Airport (7M4), near Osceola, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Douglas CO LLC., of Somerville, Tennessee. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

During a telephone interview, conducted by an NTSB representative, the 1,000-hour commercial pilot reported that during takeoff roll on runway 01 (a 3,800-foot long and 50-foot wide asphalt runway), the airplane veered to the left, exited the runway, and traveled through a muddy area. Subsequently, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest in an upright position. The pilot reported that at the time of the accident the wind was from the west at about 8-10 knots.

Examination of the airplane by the pilot revealed that the right wing was buckled at the wing attaching point and the right wing spar was bent.

At 1353, the automated surface observation system at the Blytheville Municipal Airport (HKA), near Blytheville, Arkansas, located 17 miles northeast of the accident site, reported wind from 340 degrees at 7 knots, gusting to 15 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clear sky, temperature 32 degrees Celsius, dew point 14 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 29.91 inches of Mercury.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. A contributing factor was the prevailing crosswind.