Casualties unknown

Aerial Application Aircraft Strikes Trees Twice Before Impacting Ground (N904X)

Galesburg, IL, US

On August 20, 1996, a Grumman G-164A (registration N904X) operated by Harold's Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Galesburg, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from trees that protruded into the field that he was spraying. 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

An aerial application pilot reported colliding with protruding trees during a swath run, leading to a high angle of attack and a second tree strike before ground impact.

Incident Details

During an aerial application flight, the pilot was performing a swath run adjacent to an irregular field boundary. According to the pilot, the airplane collided head-on with trees that protruded approximately 300 feet into the field. Following the initial collision, the aircraft pitched up to a high angle of attack. Shortly thereafter, it struck the trees a second time before ultimately contacting the ground.

Pilot Account

The pilot noted that his reaction time was not as quick as it should have been. No further details regarding the circumstances leading to the collision were provided.

Investigation Status

The accident remains under investigation. Additional information about the aircraft, operator, or environmental conditions has not been released.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Aug 1996 Grumman G-164A accident near Galesburg, IL?

An aerial application pilot reported colliding with protruding trees during a swath run, leading to a high angle of attack and a second tree strike before ground impact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Aug 1996 involved a Grumman G-164A, registration N904X, operated by Harold's Flying Service, at Galesburg, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from trees that protruded into the field that he was spraying.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06470. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.