Casualties unknown

Agricultural Aircraft Strikes Power Line During Spray Run (N82585)

Stephen, MN, US

On June 23, 1998, a Piper PA-36-375 (registration N82585) was involved in an aviation accident near Stephen, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from an unmarked power line during agricultural operations. 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

An agricultural aircraft sustained damage to its right wing after striking an unmarked power line during a spray operation near the Red River, with no mechanical anomalies found.

What happened

The pilot reported that he was in the process of completing his final spraying run when the aircraft collided with an unmarked power line. The incident occurred in close proximity to a farmyard and a tree line situated near the Red River. Post-accident examination revealed that the right wing of the aircraft made contact with the upper wire of a two-wire system.

The investigation

A thorough post-accident inspection was conducted on the airframe and propulsion systems to determine the extent of the damage and identify any potential mechanical failures. Investigators found no anomalies with the engine or other aircraft components that would suggest a pre-existing mechanical failure contributed to the event.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from an unmarked power line during agricultural operations.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10262. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.