Casualties unknown

Aerial Application Plane Strikes Wire, Collides with Terrain During Seed Drop (N9763)

Cascade, IA, US

On March 20, 2002, a Schweizer G-164A (registration N9763) was involved in an aviation accident near Cascade, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation and his failure to maintain clearance with the wire. A factor associated with the accident was the wire that the airplane contacted. 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

During an aerial application flight to drop seed along a highway, the airplane contacted a wire and collided with terrain after passing under two sets of wires.

Accident Details

An aerial application flight conducting a seed drop along a highway section under construction ended when the airplane contacted a wire and collided with the terrain. The aircraft had taken off from the highway and was heading east to drop seed at the time of the accident.

Sequence of Events

Two sets of wires crossed perpendicularly over the highway. The first set was approximately 40 feet above ground, and the second set was approximately 30 feet above ground. The airplane flew under the first wire without incident. As it passed under the second wire, the leading edge of the top left wing made contact with the wire. Subsequently, the airplane descended and impacted the terrain on the highway median.

Outcome

The accident resulted in the aircraft contacting the ground in the median of the highway. No further details about injuries, damage, or aircraft specifics were provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Mar 2002 Schweizer G-164A accident near Cascade, IA?

During an aerial application flight to drop seed along a highway, the airplane contacted a wire and collided with terrain after passing under two sets of wires.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Mar 2002 involved a Schweizer G-164A, registration N9763, at Cascade, IA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation and his failure to maintain clearance with the wire. A factor associated with the accident was the wire that the airplane contacted.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020322X00390. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.