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Crop Sprayer Strikes Power Lines, Loses Vertical Stabilizer and Rudder (N3760E)

Mobridge, SD, US

On June 25, 1998, a Piper PA-36-300 (registration N3760E) was involved in an aviation accident near Mobridge, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines. Factors associated with the accident were the power lines, and the separation of the vertical stabilizer and rudder which resulted in the pilot's inability to maintain directional control of the… 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 spraying a wheat field struck non-active power lines, separating the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The aircraft continued flying in a skidding right turn until the pilot reduced power due to an approaching tree line, resulting in a level-terrain impact and left main gear folding.

Incident Overview

A pilot engaged in aerial application over a wheat field was working beneath non-active power lines leading to an abandoned farmstead. During a pass, the aircraft struck one of the wires, resulting in the separation of the vertical stabilizer and rudder from the airframe.

Pilot Account

According to the pilot, after the wire strike, directional control was lost. However, the aircraft continued to fly with wings level while in a skidding turn to the right. As a tree line approached, the pilot reduced engine power. The aircraft then impacted level terrain with its wings level. The pilot reported that following impact, the aircraft slid to the left, folding the left main landing gear under the wing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Jun 1998 Piper PA-36-300 accident near Mobridge, SD?

A pilot spraying a wheat field struck non-active power lines, separating the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The aircraft continued flying in a skidding right turn until the pilot reduced power due to an approaching tree line, resulting in a level-terrain impact and left main gear folding.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Jun 1998 involved a Piper PA-36-300, registration N3760E, at Mobridge, SD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines. Factors associated with the accident were the power lines, and the separation of the vertical stabilizer and rudder which resulted in the pilot's inability to maintain directional control of the airplane.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10265. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.