Probable cause
The pilot did not maintain clearance from a power line while maneuvering at low altitude.
NTSB analysis
The pilot overflew one end of the field that he intended to spray and then circled the field one time before beginning to perform aerial application. A witness observed that, while applying chemicals on the first pass, the airplane hit a power line that crossed the field. The witness then saw the airplane impact the terrain inverted. A portion of the rudder and vertical stabilizer were recovered near the wire strike area. Damage to the wreckage indicated the airplane impacted the power line with the vertical stabilizer. No other preimpact anomalies with the airplane were found.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10LA250 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 16, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rushville, Nebraska
- Nearest airport
- Gordan Municipal Airport (GRN)
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Ayres Corp S2R
- N-number
- N241WD
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.