Casualties unknown

Pilot Diverted to Private Airstrip After Power Line Strike During Crop Dusting (N4842R)

Truman, AR, US

On June 10, 2005, a Cessna A188B (registration N4842R) was involved in an aviation accident near Truman, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance due to distraction from sunglare and a ground obstacle, which resulted in the airplane striking power lines. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot conducting aerial application work struck power lines due to sun glare and distraction, then successfully landed at a nearby private airstrip without injury.

What happened

The aircraft was engaged in an aerial application mission, flying on a westerly heading over a designated field. During the operation, the airplane collided with a set of power lines. Despite the impact, the pilot maintained control and managed to land the airplane at a nearby private airstrip without further incident.

Post-accident, the pilot reported that while spraying the field, he was distracted by sunglare and a shed along his flight path. This distraction caused him to exit the field too late, leading to the collision with the power lines.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the power line strike and the subsequent landing. The pilot's account indicated that environmental factors played a significant role in the sequence of events.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance due to distraction from sunglare and a ground obstacle, which resulted in the airplane striking power lines.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050712X00987. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.