Casualties unknown

Agricultural Aircraft Collides with Powerlines After Pilot Misjudges Due to Low Sun (N7994)

Grand Forks, ND, US

On August 5, 1995, a Schweizer G-164A-450 (registration N7994) was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Forks, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot stated that low sun caused visual problems and possibly misjudgment of powerline locations. 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

A pilot attempting to evade two sets of powerlines during an agricultural spray run collided with wires, causing the aircraft to yaw and impact the ground. The pilot attributed the incident to visual problems from low sun.

Accident Details

During an agricultural spraying operation, a pilot was conducting passes over a field that had two sets of powerlines on the east side. While finishing the fourth pass, the pilot attempted to go under one set of wires and over the other. The airplane collided with the wires, yawed to the right, and subsequently impacted the ground.

Pilot Account

The pilot reported that he believes the low sun position in the east caused visual difficulties, leading to a possible misjudgment of the powerlines' locations. No other factors were mentioned by the pilot.

Damage

The airplane sustained damage from the collision with the wires and the ground impact. The extent of damage was not specified in the report.

Probable cause

The pilot stated that low sun caused visual problems and possibly misjudgment of powerline locations.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Aug 1995 Schweizer G-164A-450 accident near Grand Forks, ND?

A pilot attempting to evade two sets of powerlines during an agricultural spray run collided with wires, causing the aircraft to yaw and impact the ground. The pilot attributed the incident to visual problems from low sun.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Aug 1995 involved a Schweizer G-164A-450, registration N7994, at Grand Forks, ND.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot stated that low sun caused visual problems and possibly misjudgment of powerline locations.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04185. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.