Casualties unknown

Power Line Strike During Agricultural Swath Run Leads to Forced Landing (N2030J)

Tahoka, TX, US

On October 20, 1995, a Cessna T188C (registration N2030J) was involved in an aviation accident near Tahoka, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from wires. Factors were the loss of aileron control and the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing. 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 reported striking power lines during a pull-up after an east-west swath run, resulting in loss of aileron control and a forced landing that caused structural damage.

Incident Overview

During an agricultural spraying operation, the pilot executed a pull-up at the end of an east-west swath run. At that moment, the aircraft struck power lines that were positioned close to the field's edge and oriented north-south. The pilot reported that after the collision, the airplane lost aileron control.

Forced Landing

Following the loss of control, the pilot performed a forced landing to an unimproved field. The landing resulted in structural damage to the aircraft.

Evidence

Post-incident inspection revealed scratch marks on the left wing and the left main landing gear, consistent with contact from transmission wire.

Pilot Account

The pilot provided the account of the sequence, noting the proximity of the power lines to the field and the orientation of the lines relative to the swath run direction.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04702. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.