Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Guy Wires During Spraying Operation, Tower Toppled (N9841V)

Bloom, KS, US

On August 10, 1984, a Cessna 188 (registration N9841V) operated by Erhart Aerial Sprying,inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Bloom, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to clear the wires during a spraying operation. 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

During a spraying operation, an aircraft struck two guy wires at about 160 feet above ground level, causing a 310-foot tower to topple. The aircraft's wings separated, and the fuselage continued west before nosing into the ground.

Accident Sequence

An aircraft involved in a spraying operation struck two guy wires attached to a tower. The pilot failed to clear the wires during the operation. Operators on the ground heard the impact, which occurred approximately 160 feet above ground level. The collision caused the 310-foot tower to topple.

Aircraft Damage

The force of the impact separated the aircraft's wings from the fuselage. The fuselage continued to the west of the tower, where it nosed into the ground. The engine separated from the airframe, and the fuel tank located behind the engine was flattened.

Pilot Statement

According to the pilot's statement, he does not remember any of the events leading up to the accident.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to clear the wires during a spraying operation.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X40814. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.