Aircraft impact following wire strike during agricultural spraying

Casualties unknown • Mobridge, SD, US

An airplane struck non-active power lines while spraying a wheat field, resulting in a loss of directional control and subsequent ground impact.

What happened

While performing agricultural spraying operations over a field of wheat, the pilot was operating beneath non-active power lines that served an abandoned farmstead. During one of the flight passes, the aircraft struck one of the wires. This impact resulted in the separation of the vertical stabilizer and rudder from the airframe.

The pilot reported that following the strike, directional control of the aircraft was lost. Despite this, the aircraft continued to fly with its wings level while entering a skidding turn to the right. As the aircraft approached a tree line, the pilot reduced engine power. The aircraft subsequently impacted level terrain with the wings in a level attitude. Following the impact, the aircraft slid to the left, causing the left main gear to fold under the wing. The pilot was not injured.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck non-active power lines, which caused the separation of the vertical stabilizer and rudder from the airplane.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-06-25 Piper PA-36-300 accident near Mobridge, SD?

An airplane struck non-active power lines while spraying a wheat field, resulting in a loss of directional control and subsequent ground impact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-06-25 involved a Piper PA-36-300, registration N3760E, at Mobridge, SD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck non-active power lines, which caused the separation of the vertical stabilizer and rudder from the airplane.

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.

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