Casualties unknown

Aerial Application Aircraft Strikes Power Lines During Flight (N9261R)

Groton, SD, US

On June 18, 1984, a Cessna 188 (registration N9261R) was involved in an aviation accident near Groton, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Contact with power lines during aerial application operations, which resulted in loss of control and subsequent impact with the terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft engaged in aerial application operations collided with overhead power lines, resulting in a nose-over and subsequent ground impact during the flight phase.

What happened

The incident occurred while the aircraft was conducting aerial application operations. During this phase of flight, the airframe passed underneath two separate power lines. The top section of the vertical fin and the associated collision avoidance beacon light appear to have made contact with the first wire. Evidence supporting this sequence includes the discovery of these components separated near the location of the wires.

Following the initial contact with the overhead infrastructure, the aircraft's attitude changed abruptly. Observers noted that the nose of the aircraft pitched downward significantly. This loss of control led directly to a collision with the ground.

Probable cause

Contact with power lines during aerial application operations, which resulted in loss of control and subsequent impact with the terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X39919. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.