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Casualties unknown

Pilot loses control during swath run into sun, strikes tree and power line pole (N4165J)

Tipton, OK, US

On April 6, 1991, a Cessna A188B (registration N4165J) operated by Abernathy/horton Flying Serv. was involved in an aviation accident near Tipton, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference while flying into the sun during a low-level agricultural operation, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain and subsequent loss of control. 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

A pilot conducting a westerly agricultural swath run collided with a tree and power line pole while flying into the sun, resulting in wing separation and loss of control.

What happened

The accident occurred while the pilot was engaged in an agricultural application flight. The aircraft was executing a westerly swath run directly into the sun, which likely contributed to visual impairment due to glare.

During this maneuver, the airplane collided with a tree and a power line pole. The impact caused a seven-foot section of the right wing to separate from the airframe. Following this structural failure, the pilot lost control of the aircraft.

The airplane slid to rest in a nearby field, coming to a stop approximately 180 yards from the initial point of impact. After the collision, a small electrical fire broke out within the cabin or engine compartment. The pilot successfully extinguished the fire before evacuating or exiting the wreckage.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference while flying into the sun during a low-level agricultural operation, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain and subsequent loss of control.
Controlled flight into terrain

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16786. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.