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Casualties unknown

Aerial Application Aircraft Destroyed by Fire After Striking Power Lines (N5329)

Hebron, NE, US

On August 19, 1988, a Grumman G-164A (registration N5329) operated by Davenport Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Hebron, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to see power line poles while exiting the field between two groups of trees, which resulted in the aircraft striking the wires and terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

During an aerial application run, the pilot failed to see power line poles while exiting a field between trees. The aircraft struck the wires and terrain, rolled multiple times, and was subsequently consumed by fire.

What happened

The incident occurred during an aerial application operation. While conducting a swath run, the pilot noticed that some of the spray nozzles were not functioning correctly. To address this issue, the pilot checked the spray booms.

As the aircraft exited the field, it passed between two groups of trees located on the border. During this maneuver, the pilot failed to see power line poles situated in the area. The aircraft struck the power lines and then impacted the terrain. Following the impact, the aircraft rolled several times before being consumed by fire.

The investigation

The source text does not provide specific details regarding a mechanical examination or post-accident inspection findings beyond the immediate sequence of events described above.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to see power line poles while exiting the field between two groups of trees, which resulted in the aircraft striking the wires and terrain.
Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Aug 1988 Grumman G-164A accident near Hebron, NE?

During an aerial application run, the pilot failed to see power line poles while exiting a field between trees. The aircraft struck the wires and terrain, rolled multiple times, and was subsequently consumed by fire.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Aug 1988 involved a Grumman G-164A, registration N5329, operated by Davenport Aviation, Inc., at Hebron, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to see power line poles while exiting the field between two groups of trees, which resulted in the aircraft striking the wires and terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26661. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.