On August 10, 1985, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N8941L) was involved in an aviation accident near Palisade, NE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft struck power lines while maneuvering over a cornfield, causing a wing to hit a cable, leading to an inverted impact and fire that destroyed the aircraft.
Accident Sequence
The pilot was conducting a swath run over a cornfield when attempting to maneuver under power lines spanning a large ditch. The right wing struck one of the three lower cables, which cut into the wing structure. The cable eventually separated, releasing the aircraft. The aircraft then began to roll inverted and impacted the ground with the left wing first, followed by the fuselage.
Wreckage and Fire
The impact and ensuing fire destroyed the aircraft. The pilot did not remember escaping from the burning aircraft.
Cable Visibility
The lower set of cables were level with the ditch rim and were described as very difficult to see while in flight.