Casualties unknown

Agricultural Aircraft Strikes Wires During Spray Pass (N3493J)

Paulina, LA, US

On August 12, 1991, a Cessna T188C (registration N3493J) operated by Gulf Aire Enterprises, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Paulina, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT FOR THE WIRES AND HIS MISJUDGING CLEARANCE WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO FLY UNDER THE WIRES. 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 flying a second pass over a sugarcane field attempted to fly under wires, which caught on the stabilizers, leading to loss of control and impact with the field.

Incident Overview

A pilot conducting aerial application operations reported that during a swath run over a sugarcane field, he flew his first pass from south to north and then turned for a second pass. On the second pass, the pilot spotted wires strung across the field at approximately the midpoint and attempted to fly under them. The wires caught on the vertical and horizontal stabilizers of the aircraft, causing the pilot to lose control. The airplane subsequently impacted the sugarcane field.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that he had sprayed that same field on several previous occasions and was aware of the presence of the wires. Despite this prior knowledge, he attempted to fly under the wires during the second pass, resulting in the collision and subsequent loss of control.

Summary

The accident occurred during an agricultural spraying operation. The pilot's attempt to fly under wires that he knew were present led to the wires catching on the aircraft's stabilizers, causing a loss of control and a collision with the terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17868. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.