FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Mosquito Control Aircraft Strikes Unlit Television Tower During Night Operation (N962AB)

Lake Wales, FL, US

On September 11, 2004, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N962AB) was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Wales, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation, and his inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in a collision with a television tower. 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 a night mosquito control spraying flight, an airplane struck a 520-foot television tower 20 feet below its top. A prior power outage had disabled tower lights, but the pilot did not obtain a briefing that would have provided the relevant NOTAM.

Incident Overview

A mosquito control spraying flight conducted at night resulted in a collision with a 520-foot television tower. The airplane struck the tower approximately 20 feet below its top. Witnesses reported hearing the aircraft and observing its marker lights, but they did not see any lights on the tower.

Power Outage

At 0330, an automobile accident caused a loss of electrical power in the area, including the power supply to the television tower. This outage rendered the tower's obstruction lights inoperative.

Pilot Briefing

The pilot did not obtain a weather or preflight briefing prior to the flight. Such a briefing would have included NOTAM information indicating that the tower's power and lights had failed.

Aircraft Condition

No mechanical problems were reported by the pilot, nor were any discovered during the post-accident examination of the airplane.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Sept 2004 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Lake Wales, FL?

During a night mosquito control spraying flight, an airplane struck a 520-foot television tower 20 feet below its top. A prior power outage had disabled tower lights, but the pilot did not obtain a briefing that would have provided the relevant NOTAM.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Sept 2004 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N962AB, at Lake Wales, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation, and his inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in a collision with a television tower.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040917X01447. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.