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Aircraft Destroyed After Striking Powerline During Agricultural Spraying (N8440K)

Midvale, ID, US

On June 5, 2004, a Grumman G-164B (registration N8440K) was involved in an aviation accident near Midvale, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate clearance from powerlines during agricultural spraying operations, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a powerline and subsequent impact with terrain. 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 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft struck a powerline while spraying a field under high-tension lines, resulting in a crash and total destruction by fire.

What happened

The incident occurred while the pilot was conducting agricultural operations, specifically spraying a field. The flight path was oriented from east to west. During this phase of the operation, the aircraft was flying beneath high-tension powerlines that traversed the field diagonally from the southeast to the northwest.

While operating in this environment, the aircraft made contact with one of the powerlines. This specific line was noted to be lower than the adjacent lines. Following the impact with the overhead structure, the aircraft lost control and struck the terrain. The force of the collision caused significant structural failure, leading to the immediate destruction of the airframe. Subsequently, a fire engulfed the wreckage, consuming the aircraft entirely.

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate clearance from powerlines during agricultural spraying operations, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a powerline and subsequent impact with terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jun 2004 Grumman G-164B accident near Midvale, ID?

An aircraft struck a powerline while spraying a field under high-tension lines, resulting in a crash and total destruction by fire.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jun 2004 involved a Grumman G-164B, registration N8440K, at Midvale, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate clearance from powerlines during agricultural spraying operations, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a powerline and subsequent impact with terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040608X00759. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.