On April 25, 1987, a Cessna A188B (registration N6048G) operated by Valley Flying Service,inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Orleans, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from powerlines during an evasive maneuver, which resulted in a collision with the lines and a subsequent fence strike. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An agricultural aircraft struck powerlines and a fence while completing a fourth spray run over a wheat field, shearing off the landing gear before coming to rest in a pasture.
What happened
The pilot was engaged in aerial application operations, spraying chemicals across a wheat field. During this activity, he was in the process of completing his fourth swath run when he identified powerlines directly within his flight path. In an attempt to avoid the obstruction, the pilot executed an evasive maneuver. Despite these efforts, the aircraft made contact with the powerlines. The impact continued as the plane struck a nearby fence, which resulted in the shearing off of the landing gear. Following this sequence of collisions, the aircraft came to rest in an adjacent pasture.
The investigation
A thorough examination of the aircraft was conducted following the accident. Investigators looked specifically for any issues that might have contributed to the loss of control or inability to avoid the obstacles. The inspection revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures within the aircraft's systems.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from powerlines during an evasive maneuver, which resulted in a collision with the lines and a subsequent fence strike.
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