Airplane Descended Into Trees Located Beyond The Departure End Of The Runway

Location: Mount Gilead, Ohio Accident Number: ERA25LA243
Date & Time: June 26, 2025, 09:15 Local Registration: N3619J
Aircraft: Cessna T188C Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

Analysis: The pilot departed in variable light wind conditions for an aerial application flight. During the initial climb, the airplane reached an altitude of about 40 ft agl as the pilot began a turn away from the runway. The pilot described that the wind shifted to a tailwind and the airplane’s airspeed decreased. The airplane then exceeded its critical angle of attack, resulting in an aerodynamic stall at low altitude. With insufficient height to recover, the airplane descended into trees located beyond the departure end of the runway and came to rest in an upright position near a tree line. The airplane’s wings, fuselage, and tail section were substantially damaged during the accident sequence.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while in a turn during initial climb and the exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at a low altitude. 

FMI: www.ntsb.gov