Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line while conducting agricultural spray operations.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he was conducting spray operations to a pasture with power lines on its north border. As the pilot approached the pasture from the north on his fourth pass, he intended to descend after flying past the second of two cables. The pilot initiated a descent, but the airplane struck the second cable. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground and a postimpact fire ensued. Following the accident, the pilot stated that he misidentified the first cable as the second cable.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN17CA120 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 2, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fairmont, Oklahoma
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aero Commander S2R
- N-number
- N1755S
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1968
- 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.