Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the guide wire while maneuvering on an aerial application flight. Contributing to the accident was the presence of the guide wire.
NTSB analysis
The airplane contacted a telephone pole guide wire during an aerial application flight. The airplane then impacted an open field and came to rest on a residential driveway. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane before the wire strike.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08CA243 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 11, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cosmos, Minnesota
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-25-235
- N-number
- N7297Z
- 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.