Casualties unknown

Vertical Stabilizer Collision with Transmission Line During Spray Run (N9990P)

Buchanan, ND, US

On July 18, 1988, a Piper PA-36-285 (registration N9990P) operated by Ivesdal, Mark R. was involved in an aviation accident near Buchanan, ND. 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, the aircraft's vertical stabilizer struck a transmission line, causing damage. The pilot attempted a road landing but lost rudder control during flare, resulting in a ditch.

Accident Details

The pilot reported that while conducting several swath runs over a field, he passed under a transmission line and over a power line that crossed the end of the field. During one run, the vertical stabilizer collided with the transmission line, sustaining damage.

Sequence of Events

After the collision, the pilot decided to land on a road to assess the damage. During the flare, the aircraft could not be controlled with the rudder. Subsequently, the aircraft went into a ditch.

Conclusion

The incident involved a collision with a transmission line leading to damage of the vertical stabilizer, followed by a loss of rudder control during an attempted road landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26218. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.