FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Power Lines During Aerial Application Flight (N913X)

Hunlock Creek, PA, US

On May 23, 1990, a Grumman G-164A (registration N913X) operated by Aero Crop Services was involved in an aviation accident near Hunlock Creek, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FROM OBTACLES, AND HIS FAILURE TO SEE AND AVOID THE ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION LINE. 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

Witnesses observed an agricultural aircraft flying low over a river, striking power lines, then rolling over and entering the water at a steep angle after a blue flash of electricity.

Incident Overview

Witnesses reported that they observed the aircraft as it flew up the river, and watched it again as it returned down the river. The witnesses generally agreed that the aircraft was flying low over the river and it struck the power lines that crossed the river. The aircraft was observed to 'swing side to side', then it rolled over and entered the river at a steep angle. Several witnesses reported that they saw a blue flash/flash of electricity when the aircraft struck the power lines.

Operational Context

The aircraft was being operated for aerial application of a gypsy moth insecticide.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 May 1990 Grumman G-164A accident near Hunlock Creek, PA?

Witnesses observed an agricultural aircraft flying low over a river, striking power lines, then rolling over and entering the water at a steep angle after a blue flash of electricity.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 May 1990 involved a Grumman G-164A, registration N913X, operated by Aero Crop Services, at Hunlock Creek, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FROM OBTACLES, AND HIS FAILURE TO SEE AND AVOID THE ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION LINE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23251. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.