On May 4, 1994, a Grumman G-164A (registration N7368) operated by Davenport Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Alexandria, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of situational awareness due to distraction by terrain while maneuvering for a spray application, which resulted in collision with wires. 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.
An agricultural airplane collided with power lines while maneuvering for a spray application. The pilot maintained control and returned to the departure airport without further incident.
What happened
The aircraft was engaged in an agricultural operation when it struck overhead wires during a maneuver intended for a spray application. Despite the collision, the pilot retained control of the airplane and successfully navigated back to the departure point.
During the pre-impact phase, the pilot reported losing visual contact with the power lines. This loss of situational awareness occurred while he was making a spray run and became distracted by the rolling terrain in the area.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed no evidence of mechanical failure prior to the impact. The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have contributed to the incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of situational awareness due to distraction by terrain while maneuvering for a spray application, which resulted in collision with wires.