Casualties unknown

Agricultural Aircraft Strikes Power Lines and Crashes (N8580H)

Crowley, LA, US

On July 16, 1988, a Grumman G-164A (registration N8580H) operated by Norman Reed was involved in an aviation accident near Crowley, LA. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An agricultural airplane struck power lines while pulling up at the end of a field, passed over a house, struck trees, and hit the ground inverted. A post-impact fire destroyed the aircraft after the pilot was removed.

Accident Details

The accident involved an agricultural aircraft working in a field that had telephone lines at one end and power lines at the other. The pilot was conducting the final run of the operation.

Sequence of Events

As the pilot initiated the pull-up at the end of the field, the airplane struck the power lines. The aircraft continued through the lines, passed over a nearby house, then struck trees before impacting the ground in an inverted position.

Post-Impact Fire

Following the impact, a fire broke out. The fire was suppressed long enough to allow the pilot's removal from the aircraft, but it subsequently destroyed the airplane.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jul 1988 Grumman G-164A accident near Crowley, LA?

An agricultural airplane struck power lines while pulling up at the end of a field, passed over a house, struck trees, and hit the ground inverted. A post-impact fire destroyed the aircraft after the pilot was removed.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jul 1988 involved a Grumman G-164A, registration N8580H, operated by Norman Reed, at Crowley, LA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26231. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.