Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the power line.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was performing aerial application of liquid fertilizer onto a hay meadow. During the third pass, which was south of the previous two passes, the airplane contacted an unmarked power line that the pilot did not observe until "I was on it." The airplane then struck two trees and cart wheeled into terrain.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DEN08CA084 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 5, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mountain Grove, Missouri
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-25-235
- N-number
- N6944Z
- 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.