Probable cause
The pilot's failure to monitor the flight environment for adequate terrain/obstacle clearance, which resulted in the inflight collision with power transmission line wires.
NTSB analysis
During an interview with the Aviation Safety Inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration, the pilot told the inspector that he was heading back to the airport when he became distracted, looked down at the floor and then looked up just in time to see the wire.
The airplane struck power transmission line wires at about 73 feet above the ground. The left wing impacted the ground about 290 feet from the power transmission line wires in the direction of travel, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and empennage.
The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA090 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 25, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Casselton, North Dakota
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 25-260
- N-number
- N4793Y
- 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.